Aesthetic Instagram Inspiration
Sunday, January 24, 2021
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Friday, August 7, 2020
Aesthetic Lockdown Camping Trip
Aesthetic Lockdown Camping Trip
Friday, August 7, 2020
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BENEFITS OF CAMPING
There are many studies listing the incredible
benefits of camping on our mental health. It can allow you peaceful time with
yourself, or, quality time spent with loved ones. In addition, being outdoors
in nature and away from electronics also has a massive impact on our
well-being. This can be detailed further in an article found here. It can be an
incredibly spiritual experience, as well as an aesthetically-pleasing trip.
PACKING
LIST
For camping, the weather can be incredibly variable. Usually, I am all
about the layers and always find myself freezing in the night. However, I knew
that I would be camping in a heatwave so I didn't need too many layers. Some of
the items I packed included: PJ shorts (and trousers in case it got very cold),
PJ tops, socks, underwear, leggings, tops, a jean skirt, a jean jacket, hoodie
and raincoat. In terms of shoes, I brought some trainers, walking boots and
adidas trainers.
CAMPING
ESSENTIALS
I ended up buying a tent from go outdoors and with it, the ground-sheet and
pegs. We also got an electric hook-up cable and brought with us a kettle and
self-heating cooking pot. Because we had electricity, we were able to bring
inflatable beds and, of course, brought the pump with us. We also made sure we had plenty of
water, food and snacks for our comfort.
TOILETRIES
I ended up packing a makeup bag with some very basic makeup for my
days out in the surrounding cities such as Bath. Other things I packed
included: toothbrush & paste, dry shampoo, a razor, suncream, deodorant
& body spray, shampoo & body wash, face wipes, hand sanitizer, simple
soap and hand soap.
OTHER
ESSENTIALS
I also made sure I had antihistamines & paracetamol, as well as
loo-roll since, during the pandemic, the campsites stopped providing it. Other
things I brought included: an umbrella, my wallet, a backpack, a towel, a
lunchbox, a book, sponge and washing up bowl, antiseptic wipes, tea towel, binbags,
a hairbrush and bobbles and a water-bottle. In terms of electrics, I made sure
I had my switch, phone and camera as well as their chargers. I also brought
earplugs.
PICKING
A CAMPSITE
With the ongoing pandemic, I found myself incredibly restricted in
terms of campsite availability. Most places were fully booked and the ones
which weren't didn't have an electric hook-up. For that reason, I only had
about three locations to decide between. However, it's great to assess what
type of campsite you want; it is worth considering an electric hook-up, toilet facilities,
catering and the availability of hiking routes etc. My campsite was called 'cotswolds
camping' in Charlebury. We picked this location to have easy access to the
villages in the Cotswolds as well as under 2 hours drive to two sites I wanted
to visit; Bath and Stonehenge. The campsite was stunning; it had a food truck,
lovely spaces to sit and eat, large pitches, electric hook-ups, and two toilet
blocks with showers. The other main locations people tend to go in the UK
include: the
lake district, the
peak district, cornwall, wales and scottland.
aesthetic & spiritual
activities
STARGAZING, SUNRISES &
SUNSETS
There are definitely philosophical and psychological studies proving the
benefits of observing the sky. Whilst camping, you are ideally situated to
watch sunrises, sunsets and to stargaze. I was even lucky enough to camp during
a meteor shower. Frequently quoted is the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson who
wrote an essay called "Nature" in 1836: "If a man would be
alone, let him look at the stars...the rays that come from those heavenly
worlds, will separate between him and what he touches.” This, for me,
highlights how stargazing helps separate myself and my consciousness from the
world around me. Coming to nature always allows me to observe the simplicity
of life and to achieve peace associated with the simple life, escaping the
problems caused by the busier, urban world. There is an interesting article
further on this called "Using the magical therapy of stargazing to shift
depression" found here. You can also simply benefit
from looking at any kind of scenery; sit down and find a peaceful spot. Maybe
even listen to a peaceful playlist or a podcast. I found myself listening to
some more episodes of Jay Shetty's podcast.
READING, BLANKETS & WARM
BEVERAGES
Having a cozy atmosphere is incredibly soothing whilst camping. I
brought a fuzzy warm blanket and also plenty of books to read. I even
downloaded some Netflix including documentaries which are proven to be
more stimulating and enriching than other series which simply provide a form of
escape instead of making you develop as a person. To add to the aesthetic, I
packed some popcorn and some coffee and hot chocolate sachets as well as a cute
mug to properly enjoy the evenings when inside the tent. You could also pack
some board games to spend quality time with friends or family. Bringing
some cozy pyjamas is another thing that can make a massive difference!
MUSIC, CAMPFIRES & SMORES
One of the best sights whilst camping is having everyone sat around a
fire, talking and playing music. Perhaps someone even brought a guitar.
Unfortunately, my guitar did not fit in the car, but it would have added to the
aesthetic. Bring some camping chairs or blankets to set down on the grass
around a fire. Be sure to bring marshmallows too for roasting or to make into
smores with a pack of biscuits! You could even have a barbecue during the day
with food such as hot-dogs, which are easy to transport.
PINTEREST INSPIRATION
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Things I Do To Stay Sane In Lockdown
Things I Do To Stay Sane In Lockdown
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
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Lockdown has been an
incredible challenge for everyone. For me personally, it deeply affected me in
many ways; I lost my university life, including both lectures (giving me a
sense of purpose and simply something to do) as well as my university friends.
I did end up moving back home; my driving test was cancelled and I no longer
had the city of Exeter on my doorstep. I also went through my first breakup. Lockdown became an environment where I could easily
slip into anxiety and depression, especially since I felt like I was doing nothing with my life. In some ways,
this drove me to productivity. However, it also led to burnouts and a lack of motivation. It is
important to remember that you do not always have to stay productive to be
successful. However, doing activities you enjoy can be very helpful ways to pass the time and enjoy each day more. So these were the things I did to stay sane in lockdown which pushed
me creatively. It gave me something to pass the time and to convince myself I
was actually doing something with the many months spent in lockdown.
GUITAR
GUITAR
I am no professional at
guitar; however, last year, I ended up buying one to try to teach myself simple chords to be able to play a few songs. I steered towards both cheerful songs and those about difficult times which felt cathartic to play. I used a site called Ultimate Guitar to find all the songs and chords; it demonstrates how to play each chords and gives you a variety of options with or without a capo. I found getting back into musical instruments helped me find a way to keep
my brain fully occupied. It was also great to learn some of Taylor Swift's new songs in July when her new surprise album Folklore dropped.
WRITING
Another thing I love to do is creative writing. Ever since I was little, I would
always have some project that I was working on. On the one hand, lockdown can
limit your creativity. However, on the other hand, it can also let your mind
wander and leave you with a lot of emotion that writing can release. It also
gives you a sense of satisfaction that you are working on something great which
you will be proud of. I set myself goals to write every morning even if it was only a
few words. Some mornings, I would have 100 words. Others I would have 1500.
JOURNALISM
Journalism is on a similar level
to creative writing, only, it is more personal. It is a great way of dealing
with your emotions and thinking about better times to distract yourself. You
could simply look back on good memories or delve into your thoughts that day
and let all your thoughts out. I found buying an aesthetically pleasing journal can make the task even more fulfilling. I bought mine in Durham from
Waterstones when I was about 16, which was when I first started getting back
into journalism. I always find it lovely to look back on and it is nice to be
reminded of memories which I would have otherwise forgotten. Also, in terms of
emotional healing (for example, in a breakup context), it is helpful to write
down the good as well as the bad so that you don't find yourself either holding
onto too much toxic energy or simply glorifying the good memories and
forgetting all the reasons why it didn't work out.
SCRAPBOOKING
Another thing I loved doing was
scrapbooking; it helped me really visualize all the things I wanted to do with
my summer. I wrote down bucket lists as well as other lists of treats I wanted
to buy myself. I also made a big list of all the amazing memories I had in my
first year of University so that I didn't ever forget the little things. You
could also make a photo album, something which can take up quite a lot of time
and so makes a good project when you're trying to stay indoors more often. You
can easily get photos delivered right to your door!
MUSIC & MAKING PLAYLISTS
Music
can be extremely relaxing and can also energize you depending on what you
listen to. This is why I think it is important to make playlists based on
different moods. That way, if you're feeling a little down, you can put on a
really upbeat playlist. On the other hand, if you're tired, you could snap on
that energizing playlist. You could even make workout playlists and compare
with your friends. I would listen to music on my walks or simply play it in the
background when I was in my bedroom to help create a calming and upbeat atmosphere,
preventing those times where you can start to feel a little depressed or
hopeless. My favourite band is probably Bastille but I also found myself
listening to Taylor Swift a lot, especially her new album Folklore. Otherwise, I listen to a whole mix of random artists, picking out
songs I like here and there.
PODCASTS
I often found myself struggling
with my mental health during lockdown. Therefore, I decided to
start to listen to podcasts of motivational speakers. My two favourites would
have to be Trent Shelton and Jay Shetty, two incredible minds who focus on
self-healing and finding some form of inner-peace. Jay Shetty's
podcast can sometimes focus more on insightful interviews, whereas I find Trent Shelton can be better when you need something to
really fuel your own individual mental health. Jay Shetty does have a few podcasts
which target you personally in this way too.
WALKS
One thing that the motivational speaker
'Trent Shelton' stresses is that 'nature heals' and is a place for you to
'protect your peace.' I found myself going on a walk every day for two months
straight. It was a way for me to get out and do something with my day, enjoy
some sunshine (or soothing sounds of rain) and to visit the aesthetically-pleasing scenes nature provides. I also
managed to get exercise in and tire myself out so that I would be more content
sitting at home. It overall improved my physical health and my mental health
and it is something you can do alone without relying on anyone.
NETFLIX & YOUTUBE
These two platforms are excellent entertainment platforms which I'm sure everyone is aware of. I found having a relaxing light-hearted comedy on Netflix was always nice as well as a more serious show to captivate me. I even set up an outdoor cinema with a friend to watch a movie in my garden. In lockdown, I found myself watching The Sinner season 3 which was extremely fascinating psychologically. It is a murder mystery show with each season focusing on a new case. This season dealt with the concept of consciousness being a human invention and about facing fear. Comedy-wise, I rewatched the show 'New Girl' which has some of the best characters of any comedy show I have ever seen. In terms of YouTubers, I liked people who either made me laugh or inspired me. My favourites would have to include: Best Dressed, Jack Edwards, and Olivia Neill.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
How I Studied For University Exams During Lockdown
How I Studied For University Exams During Lockdown
Sunday, June 28, 2020
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University exams were an incredibly difficult time. Many people, including myself, were dealing with personal problems, and all of us were dealing with the effects of the global pandemic. It can be extremely challenging to focus whilst not in your purpose-designed study room in University halls; you might have a noisy family or a bad wifi connection, or little desk space. The issues can feel like they are mounting up. Many of us, including myself, even considered deferring exams until later in the summer. Fortunately, I studied hard in April despite the challenging situation, and was able to experience University summer exams in the peculiar set-up during the pandemic. This blog post details how I studied for University exams during lockdown and what the exams were like. These exams were different from normal University exams in many ways:
1. The 'No-Detriment' Policy.
2. Their Online format.
3. Their duration.
No-Detriment Policy
This policy was adopted by most Universities in the UK
during the pandemic. It basically meant that, so long as you achieved the
pass-mark of 40% on your exams, you could not finish the year with an average
lower than that which you achieved before the pandemic (around mid-March time). So, for example, if you had a 2:1 60% average
for your first year of University, so long as you got 40% in your exams, you
would finish your year with a 2:1 or higher. Your exam grades could not bring
your mark down, only up. If you performed worse in your exams than you did before the pandemic, your grade would be your average that you obtained before the pandemic. If you did better in your exams, this would be your final year average. This provided students with a lot of relief and allowed us more confidence in sitting my exams instead of deferring them.
Online Format
Given that Universities across the UK were forced to shut
down their campuses, exams could not be taken in person. It is possible that
some Universities might have cancelled their exams completely, simply
graduating students based on their grades achieved throughout the year (coursework and Winter exams). However, in the case of the University of
Exeter, all exams were moved online. Some people did, however, have exams
replaced with coursework. In my case, my exams were published online and we
could sit them from our bedrooms. The submissions were electronic so I wrote my answered on a word document and submitted them through BART (the platform used by the
University to submit coursework). This was in pdf format. This was the same procedure as submitting coursework, so I was already very familiar with the
process. All I had to do was convert the word document into a PDF, state the word count and
submit.
Duration
The duration of the exams was very dependent on the subject and how
lenient your lecturers were. There were two different exam formats: (1) We had to complete the exam in a fixed duration
(eg. 2 hours) with some time allowed at the end for you to submit your work; (2) Alternatively, the other option was a 24 hour exam. In this case, they specified the time that they expected
you to spend on the paper (for example, 2 hours). However, you could use the whole
24 hours if you so desired. This did mean you could start the exam at any time
of the day, whereas this flexibility was not offered in the
option 1 exam format. Luckily, all my exams were option 2 (24 hours long) so I felt less
pressured. Lecturers even said they felt this was a better exam format, since it
would allow you to form a proper argument instead of "word-vomiting" all the
facts you had memorized into an essay.
My Study Routine
Reading Lecturer Exam Advice
Before preparing for any exam, you should go onto your online
learning platform and look for your lecturer's exam advice. Often, this can
come in the form of a word document... if you're lucky! Sometimes, it can be
hidden in lecture slides, on recap recordings or somewhere hard to find. For one of my modules, there was a huge in-depth word document preparing us for the
exam and telling us what to study. This is important as it is not necessarily
the case that everything you studied that year will be on the exam. In my case,
for some modules, content involved in coursework was not compulsory on the
exam. So read carefully and make a strategy about which areas you should study,
especially as there are many different approaches for an exam- in a history
module, for example, we could study one topic in depth or the entire module more
vaguely. (I chose the first option!).
Reading through lecture slides
Next, you should look back through lecture slides needed for the
exam. Lecture slides are so different for each module- some are concise and
already in a format perfect to revise from. Others have some informative slides
and some which feel more like fillers. For this reason, I divided my slides into two categories: (1) Powerpoints which I would read through and edit into a
more efficient revision form (2) Powerpoints which I would study directly from.
Either way, reading through the entire powerpoint is a good method to refresh
your memory especially as you might not have touched some of these modules since last
year. Put on some music and devote time to reading through and
highlighting parts you don't understand which you can then go back to and make
notes on.
Making Summary Word Documents
For the powerpoints less easy to revise from, I ended up making summary documents. I would copy and paste important information off the
lecture slides and then delete the irrelevant sections. I would then make the
information into bullet points and shorten sentences into more concise
information easier to revise from. Next, I also highlighted the key points
and printed off the documents since I prefer to study from paper instead of a
screen where possible.
Source Research
Since I do a humanities degree, my work often involves analyzing
historical and archaeological sources. For some modules, you get to pick from a
certain number of sources and prepare these beforehand. For others, all the images on the
powerpoint slides could be used as sources in the exam which you are supposed
to analyse. In one of my modules, we had to prepare four sources to make sure
at least one of the ones we had researched in detail came up on the exam. For
this, I would research in a lot of depth, looking at background information,
historical facts, opinions of other critics and making sure I understood all of
the text itself. To help me, I printed off the sources and annotated them and
made sure I had done the extra reading provided by the lecturer for each
source. I also had notes from my seminars on each source (my seminars were devoted to source analysis). For the modules where our sources were powerpoint images, I would
just make sure I knew the purpose of each source; what supporting evidence it gave and what it was trying to prove. Since these were open-book exams, I knew I could go
straight to the powerpoint during the exam and did not need to have done as
much research before, unlike the other exam which involved more in-depth source analysis.
Extra Reading & Preparing
Critics
For some modules, I felt as though I could get by without doing much
extra reading. I definitely learnt that it was near-impossible and definitely
not essential, in my opinion, to do all the extra reading set for you. However,
in bigger 30 credit history modules, I found it definitely helped to do a bit
of extra reading. However, I did not read entire books, simply short articles
and chapters on the topics I wanted more background knowledge on. This also was
a quick way for me to write down some of the beliefs of critics which I could use to support my argument or to contrast against the opinions of others to then reach my own conclusion.
THE EXAM
Prepare my materials
I always made sure to set my alarm at a good time so that I would have
time to eat breakfast and get all my materials ready for the exam.
This included all my notes, books and the powerpoint slides. An important thing
to note is that, in some Universities, for these online exams, we absolutely
had to download the powerpoint slides beforehand. This was because you were
unable to access the online learning page 24 hours before the exam and during
it in case the system overloaded and left some students unable to access the
materials. With any important assignment at
any time of year, it is important to download the files because, especially
with Exeter's system, the online platforms tend to crash a lot! Anyhow, before
the exam, I would also ensure I had a tidy workspace to enhance my productivity
and also had refreshments on hand so that I would get less easily
distracted.
Look at the questions &
identify relevant lecture slides
Once you have your exam paper open, you should select the questions you want to
tackle very carefully. It definitely helped that I had 24 hours to do all of my
exams, giving me plenty of time to decide which questions I would be best at. I
would also bring out all of my materials and lecture slides relevant to these
questions. If I wanted to do any extra bits of research, now was also my
chance, something we were allowed to do given that it was an open-book
exam.
Draft
Next, I would write a draft of each answer. I don't tend to write things
in a very orderly way- I write paragraphs which I then merge, tear apart or
switch around. For this reason, online exams really suited me. I spent about
two hours writing a draft of the entire exam and reaching roughly the word
count which was specified for the exam. After that, I would usually take a break
for lunch.
Edit & submit
Around this time, I would read back through the draft I had prepared and
edit it very carefully. I would make a number of different drafts, improving it
with each read through and adding any information I thought was missing.
Between drafts, I would take a short break or go for a walk. Then, by around 5pm,
when I was happy with my exam, I would submit it and try not to touch it again
for the rest of the night! Some people tended to finish their exams very fast
especially given that the lecturers intended us to only spend about two hours
on the exam. However, I spent longer on mine simply because I wrote less
quickly and took it purposely at a slow pace to enjoy the process more. I also
did numerous edits to make my writing better. At the end of the day, there are strategies which will help nearly everyone when it comes to exams; however, everyone's exam process is extremely different and there is no one right way. Do what works for you.
Affordable Aesthetic Jewellery That Doesn't Tarnish
Affordable Aesthetic Jewellery That Doesn't Tarnish
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JEWELLERY TARNISHING
High-street fashion brands such as H&M and New Look sell affordable
and rather great-looking jewellery. Some of it can be extremely cheap and, to
the average consumer, look and feel good quality. If you’re lucky, some of it
can actually last quite well. However, in a lot of cases, this jewellery will
very quickly face tarnishing. Tarnishing is where the material actually begins
to corrode and faces discolouration. This explains the green/ brassy colours
which sometimes even leave dark marks on your skin whilst wearing the
jewellery. Some people can even face allergic reactions due to cheap materials. My
jewellery collection became very small due to many items becoming badly tarnished.
Therefore, as I looked to add some new pieces to my collection, I decided to
properly do my research.
MATERIALS TO CHOOSE
There are obviously many expensive materials which don't tarnish easily. However, within the affordable
range, you should steer towards either .925 sterling silver (often identified by a stamp) or 9ct gold. When cheap metals tarnish, it often means the
piece has reached the end of its life-cycle. Basically all
metals tarnish; However, the tarnishing experienced on .925 sterling silver or 9ct gold can be polished off to restore the piece to
its original shine. These materials are also more suited to every-day wear.
Wearing the jewellery daily can actually prevent tarnishing, according to some
people. High-street fashion shops do not tend to sell
sterling silver because of the cost of the material. However, it is possible to
get sterling silver at affordable same prices; online jewellery shops have certified
.925 sterling silver at lower prices due to a lack of costs associated with running physical stores. Of course, you can buy sterling silver from
shops such as Pandora but this can be significantly more expensive.
BRANDS I USE
There are many expensive options out there to choose from which sell high quality jewellery. I own one necklace from Vivienna Westwood which I have had since I was about twelve and is still in perfect condition. I also own a Pandora bracelet with three charms which are all great quality. However, these brands are incredibly expensive which is why I wasn't able to build up my jewellery collection using these brands. Instead, I tested out a new brand called Jewellery Box. It is a small business which launched in 2014. Their mission is to sell sterling silver and 9ct gold pieces at costume jewellery prices. Their reviews on trust pilot were extremely positive so I felt comfortable placing an order, also using a student discount code. They offer over 10,000 different styles, meaning there was also lots to choose from. Their jewellery tends to be slimmer, resulting in a lower price point, but also making it more flattering in my opinion. They sent it in beautiful packaging and I loved every item I received, also getting a voucher for a free pair of earrings with my next purchase.
MY TOP PICKS
ROSE GOLD NECKLACE
I picked out four pieces, averaging around £8
each and with free delivery for all orders over £10. I loved so many of their pieces so I found it very hard to narrow down my basket. The first thing I bought was a rose-gold pendant necklace. At first, I worried
that the necklace looked rather small. However, I immediately grew to love the
more delicate chain and pendant. Now, I would never opt for a thicker chain.
All my picks were .925 sterling silver and I found that this rose-gold tone
suited my pale skin. This cost £7.55 and you get to select the size of chain
that suits you. It follows the trend of geometric necklaces and has a pretty
pentagonal outline, giving it a 3D feel. Currently, at the time of writing
this, it is still on sale and can be found here.
SILVER DROPLET NECKLACE
I also bought one other necklace;
this was silver, again another tone which suits my paler skin tone. It was £12
and has a number of beautiful slim little hanging droplets. What I love about
it is that it is less plain than simple pendent necklaces, yet is still causal
and slim enough to be worn casually. Equally, it could be dressy enough to be paired with a dress without being too simple or too over the top. It was a perfect item to add to my
collection since I don’t own anything like it and, again, has a uniquely flattering thin chain. It is currently out of stock but can be found here if the site
does choose to restock it.
ROSE GOLD BRACELET
Next, I
decided to search for a new bracelet. The only bracelet I own is my silver,
thick Pandora bracelet. I didn't own any gold pieces at all, making this an
essential item to add to my collection. It was rose gold which suits my skin more than sharper gold tones. It is easily adjustable, a requirement
for me given that I didn’t want to order something online which potentially
wouldn’t fit. I also find it hard to put on some bracelets on my own, but this
one is incredibly easy to get on and off and to adjust. It was a bit thinner
than I expected but it is nice to have such a minimalistic piece. I will
definitely be searching for a bolder bracelet in the future. It cost £7.35; I would have liked for it to
have been a bit cheaper given how small it is. However, given that it is sterling
silver, the price is definitely acceptable. It is currently still in stock and
can be found here.
The last thing I bought was a beautiful
pair of rose gold earrings. The pendants hanging from them can also be removed
to make them into more minimalistic hoops. These were £9.95 but are a bargain,
given that they can be styled with or without the pendants, almost like having two different pairs of earrings. Once again, I didn't own
any rose gold earrings besides cheap studs, meaning it was essential that I
added something more dressy to my collection, yet something that could still be
styled casually. Overall, I really loved my order and will be keeping all four
pieces. I definitely think they will add to my aesthetic. I would definitely buy from Jewellery Box again.
PINTEREST INSPIRATION
Aesthetic Spots in York
Aesthetic Spots in York
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Recently, now that lock
down has been lifted ever so slightly, many people in England have started to
travel again, whether it be in the UK or abroad. It is definitely important for
everyone to maintain social distancing to stay safe whilst doing so. Being able to take day
trips again will have a hugely positive impact on our mental health; Research shows
that the lack of movement, nature, sense of purpose and lack of connections
greatly impacted mental health during the pandemic, detailed in an article by Steven C.
Hayes. Even worse, those already struggling with mental health conditions potentially faced significantly worse conditions associated with staying indoors during the
pandemic; these include having more vivid flashbacks of previous trauma and
also re experiencing trauma associated with being trapped at home. This is
detailed further here. These are things I
can strongly relate to, meaning I was incredibly glad to be able to get outside
more and travel again. I decided to go for a day out in York which was took under an hour to drive to. Previously, I had covered large areas of the city
starting by the train station. However, this time, we parked by York Minster. In this post, I will be highlighting the top
aesthetic areas around the York Minster area. These make for great Instagram
and photography shots, as well as simply aesthetically pleasing places to stop
and look at during your day in York.
 |
BETTY’S café TEAROOMS
First on my list would be
Bettys Cafe Tearooms. These are extremely famous across the UK and definitely
capture elements of strong British culture. Unfortunately, due to the
coronavirus, we were not able to sit inside as it was only reopening the next
day. However, everyone who I have spoken to have highly recommended it. The
first tearoom was set up in Harrogate in 1919 and in 1937, Betty's opened in
York. It began with Fritz Butzer, later known as Frederick Belmont. He is
described as a Swiss Orphan who traveled Europe and then settled in England to
start his business. More information on the history of Bettys can be found
here.
SHOPPING STREETS & THE
SHAMBLES
York is also littered
with beautiful, aesthetically pleasing old buildings; many have now been turned
into shops to create the beautiful high street. York houses a great variety of shops, both much loved chains and independent businesses. I visited Pandora and Jack
Wills to pick up a gift for my sister's birthday. I also headed to Urban
Outfitters which offered a 25% NHS discount, meaning I could afford to
pick out a few more pieces! However, one of the most famous shopping streets in York is called The Shambles: it is a street with beautiful old timber-framed
buildings. It is also well known for its Harry Potter shops which make for an
interesting visit.
INDEPENDENT CAFES
One thing I always look
for when travelling are independent cafes; yes, chain cafes can often be
incredibly tasty and sometimes have a very cute aesthetic. However, unless it
is one of the picturesque locations, these chain stores can often have
disappointing appearances and definitely don't feel unique. Sometimes, they can even directly resemble the interiors of cafes which are right on your doorstep back at home. It is a better option to try to go for independent cafes to support the business as well as to find more
picturesque locations and to try new things! I went to a place called The
Drawing Board where you can get a big bowl of chips for under £3, as
well as an incredibly delicious ice coffee.
YORK MINSTER
Of course, you absolutely
should walk past York Minster itself and the surrounding buildings when looking
for aesthetic spots in York! It was completed in 1472 and devoted to Saint
Peter. It has beautiful vaults, stained glass windows and bells, with a
reconstructed organ after the original was damaged in a fire. It is famous for
being the second largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe. It began as a
small Christian Church which was destroyed by a fire in 741. The rebuilt church
was then destroyed by the Danes in 1075, then rebuilt once again and restored
throughout the years. The beautiful foliage makes for incredible pictures and
the cream coloured stone of the surrounding buildings also adds to the
aesthetic.
THE RIVER
The last place I would recommend in the York Minster area would be the bridges over the river. This is known as the the River Ouse, the sixth largest river in the United Kingdom. There are some beautiful independent food places surrounding the water. In addition, you can also go for boat rides which would make for some beautiful shots.
PINTEREST INSPIRATION
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