Coffee Shop Catch Up: The February Edition

A wise person once said; '...if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.'

I think I speak on behalf of both myself and Shanice when I say that this quote applies more to us now, that it ever has in our lives and most likely ever will. College students working on Alevels. Looking at universities and planning a trip back packing around Europe, all the whilst balancing all those demands with a job, studying and in my case learning to drive -

-to say that there are moments when it all gets way too much would be true. A breakdown a week in my case is no exaggeration. Whether that be bursting into tears because I can't find my concealer, or having a go at someone because they made a joke and I wasn't in the mood. 

When you've got all this going on, a blog kind of falls to the bottom of the pile. So to anyone who has actually stuck with us and is reading this post I scincerely apologise. Anyway, we are back!

Any of you who have been reading out blog for a while will know that we generally give you a catch up on our lives after every period of a sense. Well, this is just that, only, it's called 'Coffee Shop Catch Up' and this is the February edition. 

So, what is new with Shabs as a duo?

Well, planning of Europe is well underway. We are practically working our way through every single travel blog out there to try and find the best things to do in all the cities we are off to. So suggestions are more than welcomed! 

We are both heavily preoccupied by out eighteenth birthdays. Neither of us can wait - even if it is just for the excuse to meet up. Abby's is in April and Shanice's is in May. So you can prepare yourselves for a post on each. 

The sad news is that we haven't seen each other since before Christmas (see above for the longggggg reason) meaning we haven't had a moan, a fan girl, and Abby hasn't got her Christmas present yet. Yet, as of the 13th we have a week off from college when you can bet your lucky socks that we will be meeting up. That meet up will no doubt also be filled to the brim with Europe talk. 

What about in Abby's life?

Erm... Way too much work is filling my life right about now. I've got essays coming out of my ears, differentiation in my dreams and I'm eating cases for breakfast. Ask me a question an I will probably tell you the law behind what you ask. 

I'm going on applicant days to universities - which are so exciting! I mean I came home from one yesterday and 24 hours later I still haven't shut up about it! What else? Well on Tuesday I am going to a lecture put on by David Crystal - an English language theorist. 

Other than that, my highly emotional state causes a little less fun than usual. 

What about in Shanice's life?

Ok,so our readers are probably sick to death of hearing about my love life, but I'm going to update you all again. I love this boy, and I'm telling the blog before I've told him. I'm either a super dedicated blogger or a huge coward. I'll let you decide which. He is SO uncomplicated, it's just so easy and I'm loving it. I am incredibly happy.
I'm also drowning in essays, laws (only business ones though), and cases (psychology, not law in my  case). Abby has already explained how stressful all this is so I wont repeat it.
Other than that I've been going to the gym at least twice a week. It destresses me so much, and I love that I'm making time just for myself. My health and fitness are both improving and I am enjoying it so much.

What are we currently loving?

I think number one definitely has to be travel blogs. For both of us. There is barely a night that goes by when we are not sending another links to posts about how to pack, or what to do in a country. It's become a fundamental part of our lives. So on a link to this, we are also loving bloglovin' for all their awesome blog suggestions. 

Pinterest - this is purely an Abby thing. I was forced to download it a couple of years ago no, and really never bothered much with it. However the number of pictures of where we are going on there made me fall in love with it all over again. I mean it, my boards now have super cute names, and they're filled to the brim with gorgeous pins!

Our pets - I feel they deserve special recognition. In time of stress they give us unconditional love and always manage to put a smile on our face! So Scrappy (Abby), Staffy, Lexi, Missy and Bubbles (Shanice) We love you lots.

The coffee has finished, the cake has been eaten and now we have to return to reality...

Shabs x

Study tips

A lot of people are going to have the resolution of working harder at school or college this year, and that is one of out aims too. Shabs have dealt with the pressure of school, the change as you go to sixth form and college, and as we are both in our second year so we are well and truly accustomed to the stress. So, we thought that we would share a few of our top tips when it comes to managing the load as exams near. 

Tip #1- have an organised calendar or diary

This is a must for me (Abby). I honestly do not know what I would do without my calendar, which this year just so happens to be a Nashville one - so highly attractive! Literally everything is on it, everyone's birthday and all that stuff you're expected to remember, but also I have everything else. From my work hours as soon as they are online, term dates, results day, and exams. Now one thing I do is write my exam name, seat number, and location on my calendar as soon as it is released. This is good because I see it more, and hence remember it. But also, when I have that mad panic and ring my mum to ask her what seat I'm in, she can see it really quickly and easily. 

Tip #2- revise early

I (Abby) have to admit that until this year I never really did this. I would start in May and that would be it. Buy honest to god, if there was one thing and one thing only I could tell you it would be this. START NOW. I've been writing my notes up since September, and it just makes everything so much easier. It is like having my own revision guide with everything I need in it. I rewrite what I have written in class, and highlight all the key points before putting them in a folder. I'm now starting to make case cards for law too. Basically, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite if you're like me and learn that way. 

Tip #3- be organised

This is kind of linked with the whole calendar thing, but organisation makes everything so much easier. Have a folder per subject, even go as far as Abby and have a highlighter colour per subject. Keep everything in one place. It makes finding stuff so much easier, and your room looks tidy - meaning no moaning from parents (BONUS!). 

Tip #4- destress

Take me-time at least for a good half hour before you go to bed. Otherwise, you just lie awake and have everything running around your head. Make sure you get enough sleep and find the best way to manage your thoughts and worries. Try yoga, or even just breathing excersizes. Sit with your earphones in and take a deep breath. Don't overload with revision in one go, take a break, have a snack and a drink, then return to it. 

Tip #5- eat and drink well 

Drink plenty, try to avoid sugary fizzy drinks that don't hydrate you and opt for water. Or, it you prefer something with a flavour then go for cordial (is also tastes just as nice even when your water isn't icy). Try to eat plenty of fruit and veg, but make sure you have a healthy portion of chocolate evey now and again too. It is good for motivation. (Abby: when I did French I despised revision, so I used to sit with a bar of chocolate and tell myself for every sentence I remembered correctly I could have a piece. I was motivated!)

Tip #6- surround yourself with people

Sometimes revision can seem a lonely thing. Sat in your room alone with a textbook. So try to sit with people if you can. Meet up with friends, whether they do the same subject or not, you can help one another. Asking questions and testing each other always helps. Plus, you'll have a few laughs while you're revising. 

Do you have any advice for us when it comes to revision?

If you study either English language or tort law at A-level then why not check out Abby's revision blogs? Head in a law book, and Head in an English book. 

Shabs, the 2015 version

It seams like wherever you go - Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr - everyone is talking about 'new year new me'. Now this is a few days late, but seeming as everyone is posting their New Years resolutions I thought we best write something.

I (Abby) am not making New Years resolutions though, because I always break them. I'll go a couple of days and they be like, this was a stupid idea. In fact, the longest I've ever lasted was about six weeks, and that was a miracle. So this year, I have decided that I will make aims. Basically, instead of a resolution which seems to be broad, I will aim to do specific things.  Hopefully, this will suit me better, but I guess we will have to see just how that fairs up. 

1) pass my driving test

2) work my backside off and get my grades!

3) take time to do breathing exercises at least four times a week 

4) drink more water 

5) never take anyone or anything for granted

Additionally, I'm trying to be a nicer person, trying to smile and not hold petty grudges. Basically give everyone a clean slate and let Abby mark 2015 judge what mess they make. I'm trying not to stress out as I so commonly do, and take my time. Relish the moment! Thank the friends that are there for me, and just leave those who aren't, behind. 

Shanice:

I am also refusing to make resolutions this year. I dislike the word and the fact that you're supposed to stick to them for a year and make new ones.So I'm making a few adjustments, and aims to make me feel better, and be better person for good. Not just a year.

1) Start appreciating the small things, I've been doing this lately and its making me feel so good, so I'm going to keep it up!
2) I also need to work my backside off and get my grades (hahaha I'll need a miracle.)
3) Improve my self esteem. I will conquer my negative self image, Im absolutely determined.
4) Lose weight and get fitter. Because if you're not happy with something, and you have the opportunity to change it, why not?
5) BLOG MORE. This is somewhere that I am very honest and I love that. I lovelovelove this.
6) Carry on being blunt and upfront, kind, gentle and honest. because I love that aspect of me. I am true to who I am and what I think and I make my feelings very clear. I treat people how they treat me, whether that be kind or unkind and I'm glad I now have the balls to do so.

Are you making New years resolutions this year? Let us know what they are, and your thoughts on ours!
Shabs x 

Have a Very Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year

I think it is safe to say, on behalf of both Shanice and I, that 2014 has not been an easy year for either of us. Many of you who follow our blog will know about the problems that Shanice has faced in reguards to relationships, and Abby has faced her own ones. But as i sit here now, writing this post, despite my life not been perfect, i know 2015 is going to have some amazing moments.

It will be a year of change for both of us, we will be setting off to Europe, and standing on our own two feet, knuckling down at college, and then Abby is off to Uni. However, despite 2014 not being easy, there have been some awesome moments. Shabs haven't really seen one another as much as we would like, and maybe that is something we can change next year. But we started this blog, we have planned an amzing holidays, and we have had many laughs.

Every cloud has a silver lining, that is what thy say. And despite the rocky road our lives have taken, i think our friendship has definitely become stronger. I know for a fact taht Shanice is always there for me, silently stalking my twitter in case she sees something that indicates i am not okay. I'm the same with her.

She thanked me for being a good friend back in her post 'Dedicated Friends', now i feel i should thank her too. Shanice puts up with my ramblings, rantings, and general annoyingness, and never once moans. And despite her (frequently attrociously) late replies, (she is getting better) i know she is always there for me. No matter what.

So thank you Shanice.

And as for you, our wonderful followers, readers, and silent onlookers, Christmas is just around the corner, and let's make it a great one. Wherever you are, hot or cold, near or far, make sure you eat more than is healthy and relish in some good ole' you time.

So Happy Christmas from Shabs, and let us all make 2015 our year.

Christmas-ey goodness!!

Mistletoe and wine...

It's Christmas!

The advent calendars are out, the Christmas adverts are playing and Slade, Maria Carey and Wizard are once more remembered for their contributions to the music industry. Snow has yet to fall here in England, and the chance of a white Christmas is not at all very likely. Christmas lights are everywhere, twinkling and flashing, adding magic to the most boring of scenes. 

It's a wonderful time of year, where we all feel like children, giddy with excitement as she we wait for Santa. Each family have their own traditions, waking up early, staying in your pyjamas, dressing up, opening your presents early, waiting to open your stocking until after dinner. Everyone is different. So we thought, that we would write a little post about a few of our favourite Christmas things. 

First up we have Christmas Dinner - because what is Christmas without dinner? Roast Turkey and all the trimmings. Roast potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, parsnips, carrots, peas, gravy... Christmas cake - homemade in Abby's house, cheesecake shop bought in Shanice's house(we're far less traditional). Mince pies - also home made in Abby's house (on Christmas Eve before we venture down to our local pub for tea!) (none in Shanice's house. We all despise them) . Chocolates left out in baskets all over the house, taunting your waistline for the weeks that the decorations are out. All the time whilst the fire is lit, warming your toes after your return home from a long day. 

The next thing I love about Christmas is family. It's a time of year when we get to see those we love. For Abby that means leaving college and work at the door, and sitting with my family in the lounge, whilst the fire is roaring and we sit there watching Midsummer Murders (that Christmas episode in the Manor House where the man is killed in his study). It doesn't matter what you do, it's just the fact that you are together.

For Shanice this means an extreme amount of time playing monopoly with my siblings, and forever bickering over who's cheating, and at least one of us pulling out before the game ends because its taking too long (always my brother). One of my favourite traditions we have is that we always sleep in the same room on christmas eve. As we're all getting older this is proving much harder every year, but we HAVE to, so we're currently discussing our sleeping options as I'm writing this post!

Christmas is also awesome because of the Doctor who Christmas Special. Yeye! Eek! Sense Abby FANGIRLING right now!!

For Shanice this time of year always brings me a sense of sadness over lost TV shows. I'm referring to Wild At Heart which was always on at this time of year as I was growing up! The day I own the box set to watch it to my hearts content will be the best day of my life. Why do they cancel all the best shows :( My little heart is breaking all over again!

Obviously, there are all the other shows that do Christmas specials, and there is the Queen's speech which everyone has to have on, even if they're not watching it! (Shanice) Although I do watch it avidly every year because I LOVE the Queen!  That is the Christmas tv we love.

The last and Shanice's most favourite thing about christmas is giving gifts! The feeling I get when I see something and instantly think of someone is the best feeling ever. Nothing compares. It shows that you know the person and their little quirks so well that you see them in everywhere you go. Giving a gift to someone and them knowing how much thought you put into it is my favourite thing ever. Always guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Abby does the most incredibly thoughtful gifts. She is much better at it than I, and I lovelovelove the fact that she is so great at gifts!

Let the days be counted...

ExcusesExcusesExcuses.

Now we could give a million and one excuses to why we've been away from blogging but the truth is everything got in the way and we didn't prioritise the blog. Which I can assure you makes both of us very sad, as the blog is something that gives us a slice of happiness that is easy to obtain. I feel so much better now than I have in a while purely because I'm sitting here writing this post.

So, do you fancy a bit of a catch-up on our lives? 

Shanice- The last 6 months of my life has been insane, I know it hasn't been that long since we posted, but to be fair I can't remember what I've updated you all on and what I haven't. So, I went through a breakup (which you all knew about) and Abby is amazing. (refer to dedicated friends post), I'm now currently in a very new relationship. Oh and I got a job! (Superdrug incase anyone was wondering) I adore it. So thats the basics. I have changed so much over that period of time that sometimes its scary to think about.

Currently I'm feeling overwhelmed. Growing up is scary as hell. The thought of Abby moving so far away petrifies me! I can't imagine how she's feeling. Everyone is growing up and changing. Change is brilliant but oh lord it is scary, it's scary to think how easy it is that people grow apart, I can't imagine my life without the people in it.
With the down side of me currently out of the way, I can tell you all that I also feel incredible. I have never been more grateful for life as I am now. I am so thankful for everyone who stands by me and puts up with me. I wish they all knew half of how I feel towards them all. I am utterly in love with life!

Abby- I'm in a stage of my life where I'm having to make some serious decisions. And I'm telling you now; I'm one of the most indecisive people so this is proving quite a challenge. After sitting on my bedroom floor with a million and one University prospectuses splayed out around me, I finally decided on my five Unis. As I write this now, I can tell you that my UCAS application has been sent off and I have already received two offers - eek!
Shanice has already said how freaky it is for her, and I can say it is just as bad for me. However, I relish in change. I adore it. However, I am terrified that I won't get the grades to get in. But I just have to work my lil' butt off! Which I am doing.
My dad sat down and told me the other day that 'what will be, will be'. That is something I'm currently trying to accept.
Other than Uni? Well my friendships and family relationships are currently being tested, and I'm the one who is being supported and needing that support. (Shanice is being fab - just saying).
What else? Well, my friend raised £130 for a children's hospice, I've made awesome headway in making everyone's Christmas present and I returned home to find a fence had been built at the weekend.

The honest truth is that between work, college work, and our own issues (like Abby's dreary, non-existant love life) the blog has been put on the back burner. But we are back, and with Christmas well on it's way you can expect more than a couple of festive themed posts.

So, with our deepest apologies,

Shabs x

(Can I (shanice) add a how proud I am of Zoe Sugg with her book Girl Online! The girl deserves everything she is getting, she has worked so hard and has such a positive influence on the online world. Congrats girl!) 

Vivacious Vienna

Oh, how excited Shanice is for Vienna...

(*cough* so is Abby)

The capital of Austria. A former Imperial Capital. A current historical city. It is also a city which is social on an international level, it is the third largest German speaking city and home to the United Nations - does that mean we might bump into Connie Britton?! - and OPEC. All of this means it will be a city that is one of a kind. 

Flea markets;  now these are literally gold mines on our opinions. Bargains, vintage, rare one off finds. Give us a market and we will be occupied for hours. The best bit about the markets In Vienna is the fact that they are not just items for sale, but food too! The smells are no doubt going to tempt us to no end! And we are most likely going to spend the whole day there... 

We are hopefully going to head to the most eclectic of all the markets, the Naschmarkt. For the best deals you have to get there early, so we will be getting dragged out of our pits at the crack of dawn - or so we say. 

Vienna is a city all about music and culture. It's about embracing what sets it apart from the rest. So we want to do that. In this city we want to go and visit the parks with their hands of buskers. We want to see the street art in all it's fabulous form.

Food.

Music.

Markets.

Bliss.