LIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!

GOOOOD MORNING! Guess who finally got internet after a good few days? It was quite nice to have a break from it all but glad to be back in the social-networking world. Been in China 1 week now and I am actually loving it. That sounds surprising but it is for me as I had a vision of the first week feeling homesick, confused and a bit under the weather about the whole "moving abroad" process...I'm the complete opposite though. I have met so many friendly faces (including my crazy flatmate Aneta who I've already planned to travel with), walked around campus a fair amount and settled in to my new home on campus. 

My dorm is average, bit on the small side but I won’t be spending much time in it anyway…all you need is a bed and desk right? Having a balcony is a definite bonus! Did I mention that I’m on the 5th floor and the Chinese like us to struggle and don’t have lifts in many small buildings. Apparently buildings 8 floors and below are listed as “small buildings”, which if you see Shanghai you would agree. One thing I know by the end of this year is I’ll be mega fit, climbing 10 flights of stairs at least 4 times a day…

We ventured off to Lauren’s flat, as she’s living off Campus, and ended up getting caught in the rain storm which we were not expecting. No umbrellas or waterproofs on us; we got soaked through! 

The views from the buildings on campus are pretty insane. We are pretty close to the Bund which is where all the beautiful skyscrapers are, including the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower.

I went out on Wednesday night with all my friends after seeing my friends in Shanghai, the Percivals, after 4 years, who treated me to a lovely dinner and birthday presents. 

We went to a club called Fusion where my friends surprised me with a birthday cake and endless alcohol, I was not complaining. 

Yesterday was the first proper day where I was able to get out of campus and properly explore around the area and get the metro to other places. Obviously I chose to go to Nanjing East Road (南京东路) which is where the Bund is situated. Just opposite of the metro station is the 4 Floor Forever 21, how could I not take a trip into there? 

I found a cafe for lunch and got a sandwich and juice. Just my luck, I managed to spill all the juice over me half way through my lunch. Even worse, this juice was thick and lumpy so the aftermath was not good. I went back into Forever 21, bought an outfit and changed into it right away. 

I made my way over to The Bund which was packed with locals and a few foreigners and admired the beautiful view. Sadly, the pictures are not the best as I only had my phone with me and it was starting to get dark so it looks dull. 

I also made it to one of the upper market malls, where I definitely did not fit in as I looked like a tramp with a dress and trainers on, no make up, and sweaty hair...not the best look I must admit. 

I am glad to have settled in though. I didn't have time to get over jet lag as I had to be up early everyday. I am so tired still but fighting my way through it! 

 

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AUGUST SHOPPING HAUL 2016

Helloooo everyone! It's been such a busy month with getting everything ready for my big move so I've been going shopping an awful lot, not that that's a bad thing or anything. I thought I would do my first shopping haul and see what you guys think. I'd like to do a few a month when I'm out in China to see what bargains I can find and barter my way through to some good deals.

The products below are half my buyings and also presents from family and friends.

1. NO 7 Essentially Natural Foundation (& Beautiful Blossom Gift Box)

Having to top of my foundation before leaving, I went back to my usual product which is the No 7 Essentially Natural Foundation. I have been buying this foundation for about 2 years now and it is perfect for me. I am not one to cover my face in layers of foundation and with this one you do not need to do that. It comes very lightly on your skin and finishes with a very natural and fresh look. For anyone who is the same as me and doesn't like looking completely covered in foundation, this is the product for you! 

2. NO 7 Beautiful Blossom Gift Box

I love buying No 7 products as they do very good offers throughout the year. At the moment, not sure how long it will last, they are doing their Beautiful Blossom Gift Box giveaway when you buy any 2 No 7 cosmetics. The gift box includes an Airbrush Away Primer, 10ml (find the 30ml product here), Stay Perfect Eye Shadow Middle Shade from Cappuccino Trio (full Eye Shadow Trio here) and the Dramatic Lift Mascara in Black, 4.5ml (7ml product here). I have had the mascara as a freebee before and I used it nearly everyday after a layer of my other mascara. The other two products I am yet to use but am excited to see how well they work. 

3. NIKE Zoom Pegasus 31

If you don't know already, my sister and I are BIG shoe lovers, especially when it comes to Nike. Whenever we head over to the Swindon Outlet (the only part of Swindon I will shop in), we always have to go and have a peak at what is in the store. This time round, the sale was too good to not try on a few shoes and see what was available. After a few brightly coloured trainers and hard decisions, I decided to buy these amazingly comfortable Nike Zoom trainers. They are blue with a bright coloured pink shaded underneath the blue, and under and inside the shoes. We don't buy these shoes to run in or exercise, just for our own comfort, as casual shoes, which you will find it very common. The only factor with these shoes is I went up to a 7, I am usually a 6!, so they are look quite big but I am not too fussed as I am in love with them. 

4. FLYER, CLARKS Brown Ankle Boots

So about 6 weeks ago, Mum and I took a shopping trip where I found these lovely looking boots in a lighter brown colour. Unfortunately they were not in my size, but were in my mum's size instead. I got quite annoyed when she went ahead to buy them for herself as I was the one to find them and did not feel she had much interest in them. I soon let it go but still hunted for some very similar. 

Last Saturday was my leaving party where I got some birthday presents as well as leaving presents. I was so happy to find these in a box that my grandparents gave me and cannot wait to wear them when it comes to the winter season. They are suede so not very practical for the rainy days but are for the dry ones. Comfortable, soft foot sole and nicely designed boots...I'm one happy girl! 

5. CREW Classic Half Zip Sweat

Last month I bought the same sweater as shown above but in different colours (white and navy) and I am in love with it. They are so comfortable, very practical for the winter season and cold nights in summer, and so soft on the inside. My first one was quite pricey but I treated myself as I had wanted one for quite a few years now. This one was quite the bargain as my mum found it in T K Maxx. As much as I hate T K Maxx (just because theres so much to look through), I do like finding the occasional bargains now and then, let's be honest...who doesn't? 

6. PAPERCHASE Personal Organiser 

I am one for the old-fashioned style of having a diary in my bag 24/7 and noting down my deadlines, work schedule and social life. I feel I am a lot more organised when I have it all written down. Of course, I don't always have it with me so I do use my calendar on my phone as well but not as much anymore as I will usually have a diary on me.
The diary I use at the moment is perfect for organising as it has 2 pages per week so one side I write my work hours down and the other is more to do with my social life. Therefore, I was in need of another one similar which would start from July 16 until June 17. It sounds silly, but I am very picky with what my organiser/planner has to look like, so you can probably guess how long and hard the search for one was.
A look around the last shop of the day, I luckily found the perfect organiser in Paperchase which separates your diary, to do list and meeting notes. I love the feeling of being organised; this organiser is perfect for anyone who is the same, and isn't too pricey (especially as it is currently in sale!)

Let me know if you liked this shopping haul and if I should do more throughout China :) 

 

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