A Student's Bargain Kitchenware Haul

Sorry I was absent last week but I was working almost everyday and had rehearsals for a play I was in almost every night so I barely had time to eat, never mind write and take photos for my blog. I am back now however as I have evenings free again!

So it is now less than 2 weeks until moving day (eek!). I am so excited. As I am beginning to get organised with buying and packing all of my necessities for living on my own, I thought I'd share with you a few of my bargain buys.

I am loving red at the moment and so I decided to make this a theme for my kitchenware. Imagine my joy then when almost everything red was on sale and so beautiful! I had a hard time restraining myself from popping everything in my trolley!

The two places I shopped for almost all of my appliances, kitchenware, laundry items and bedroom decor etc. were B&M Bargains and ASDA. There were so many great bargains for a student on a budget yet the quality is still great too. My personal favourite purchase is the adorable owl salt and pepper shakers. Aren't they cute?

Products Photographed:
Red Plates:   ASDA £1 each
Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers:   £1.50 B&M Bargains
Red Bowls: £1 each or 6 for £5 B&M Bargains
Stilton Cheese Pot: 50p from local charity shop (thought it would be cute for storing sugar etc.)
Heart Mugs: £1.99 each or 2 for £3
Heart Coasters: £1.50 for pack of 4

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

As the days tick by into weeks and weeks into months, I have somehow gotten here. In just less than a month I'll be heading off to the "big wide world"! (I hear they have stocked supermarkets and working buses there).

University has been my dream since I was little. I've always loved learning and always loved being around those who have a lot to teach. How blessed I am to be going to one of the best universities in one of the loveliest cities in the country to learn about my passion! Everyday I feel so grateful and blessed. The word blessed here is one of importance.

I believe that this wonderful opportunity has not simply occurred through the work of my hands or that of others' alone, but from the work of God's hands. He has put so many opportunities before me this year which have led to my successful application. Opportunities such as a "chance" meeting with a graduate of Edinburgh University's Film & TV Course who has been able to help me critique and better my work for my application; surrounding me with the right people at the right time in order to produce the films for my application; turning me away from a university I had originally intended as my first choice and showing me why; guiding me to another university (Edinburgh University) which coincides with my career goals better and will offer me greater opportunities relating to my career. There are so many more ways I have seen God shine through this whole process this year. It has been a complete journey of faith, growth and blessings in many different ways.

You may still be wondering about the title of this post. You see, every time I was approaching a new stage of my application, feeling anxious about the future or simply just needed to know God was still there beside me, a rainbow would appear in the sky - on that day or in that week - and always just after I had been praying about the situation. That to me is not a coincidence, it is a God-incidence.

God sent Noah a rainbow as a reminder of a promise he made to him (Genesis 9:12-17) and in the same way, each rainbow I have witnessed in the midst of fear or uncertainty has reminded me of God's promise to us: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

So as moving day continues to draw near, I will find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in any of this, but that God is with me and He will guide me. So I will simply let go and let God.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2014!

Hooray Scotland, you resisted the urge to rain on our parade (literally).  As me and my family shuffled through the crowds up the cobbled roads towards Edinburgh castle for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we held our plastic ponchos close at hand. Kitted out in wellies and anoraks, we were primed and ready for the heavy showers forecast which we have experienced all too memorably on a previous venture to the Tattoo a few years back. To our pleasant surprise however, the weather stayed fine and we were able to enjoy the show for the first time without soggy bottoms.

The show was, as expected, beautifully diverse and inspiring. With captivating choreography and music performed before changing backdrops projected onto the castles walls, you couldn't help but feel transported to the various countries being represented. And as the crowd joined hands with strangers and friends alike for the classic rendition of Auld Lang Syne, I felt moved by the wonderful atmosphere of acceptance and unity.

These were themes which I enjoyed throughout the show.  As for my favourite performances, they would have to include Singapore for its fabulous vibrancy in colour, music and dance and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra were also incredible and sprinkled a little bit of Caribbean sunshine into the stadium.

And as the lone piper's solemn tune played through the silent stadium and the fireworks whirled and whistled above the stunning historic landmark which is Edinburgh Castle, all I could think was: I cannot wait to be a part of this beautiful city.