Stationery Haul

I absolutely love buying new stationery. If it was up to me, I'd pick up every notebook and pen that's for sale in Paperchase, and keep it all organized in sleek Muji storage. I had some time to waste last weekend (what is even happening to me, time to waste?), so I used it as an excuse to have a little peruse at Homesense/TK Maxx.

Did I mention these stores are within a 5-minute walk from my flat?

Dangerous.

Our Day

I don't want to write much about our day, mainly because I think I'll spend it crying at my desk. It was beautiful, nothing like I'd imagined, and the people I wanted there the most made it (short of a miracle!).

We got married on November 21st, at Cardiff City Hall, surrounded by our parents two friends. My parents made it all the way from Canada for the weekend (what jet-setters), I forgot my bouquet in the hotel, and we celebrated back in Johnston until midnight.

All of our photos were taken by the amazing Elaine Williams, who did an amazing job at capturing the day. I would recommend her for any event you have to photograph!

Instead of drowning on, I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favourite books:

"I didn't plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us. We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created."

Pembrokeshire Highlights

We were probably most excited about showing my parents the countryside that is Pembrokeshire, because that is where the husband is from. They have heard countless stories about the castles, seaside towns, and welsh pubs, so it's safe to say we were really excited to show them a different part of the UK.

What No One Tells You About Moving Abroad

1. You'll miss home more than you could ever imagine.
2. Not all the time. It'll hit you at the strangest of times, when you're at home on a Sunday, at the movies, or on your way home from work.
3. It'll especially be hard around the holidays - but stay positive! bring in your own traditions to your new home, and create new home.
4. You'll suddenly gain a huge sense of patriotism. Those Buzzfeed articles about Canada are a little ray of sunshine in your day.
5. Every one will think you're American (if you're Canadian!)
6. Figuring out your size in a new country is mind-boggling. Three words: UK bra sizes.
7. Truly no one does Halloween/Christmas like North Americans. You'll almost find it insulting how little anyone else cares.
8. The first few weeks or months will be so exciting! New restaurants, new cities, new shops... Then you'll find a routine and the excitement dies down a little. It's Home, Work, Home Cook, Clean, Repeat. Don't lose the excitement when you can and take advantage of your new surroundings. 
9. The constant struggle whether to spend your holiday allowance on trips back home or trips to somewhere new.
10. Invest in a good data plan! 10-minute Facetime chats can make such a difference.
11. On another note, timezone. I hate them.
12. While a lot of your favourite food will be available, they will not be the same. I'm looking at you tomatoes, cheese, and salted popcorn.
13. People will point out the way you say things. It gets annoying, but just smile it off.
14. You will cry about home more than you'd like. Stay strong. Remind yourself why you're on this adventure in the first place. Call mom and dad.
15. Sometimes you'll end up moving back home, sometimes you'll realize you're already home.

Are any of you living in a foreign country?
Any Canadians out there? :)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN

48 Hours in Dublin

During our holiday with my parents, we managed to squeeze in one little overnight trip to Dublin - but we should have stayed for longer! I think we managed to see the main sights of Dublin, but I would recommend going for at least 2 nights to get the most of it.

After a very early flight with Ryanair, we arrived around noon, grabbed some much needed lunch, dropped our bags of at the Airbnb we rented, and headed off. As we had very little time, we got tickets to the Hop On Hop Off Bus. In my opinion, it's the best way to discover a new city when you're pressed for time, as there is little to no chance of you getting lost!