"Wanderlust - a great desire or irresistible impulse to travel." 

at Glacier Point admiring Half Dome

This summer my parents and I did a road trip through the beautiful sunny state California, USA visiting San Francisco, Yosemite National park, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Santa Cruz. We had the most amazing, memorable time and took so many incredibly pictures, that it would be a shame not to share them on this blog.

 In today’s post I want to focus on my favourite destination on this trip, which unexpectedly was Yosemite National park. I obviously knew from pictures and reviews that Yosemite National park would be awesome, but my expectations as well as my parents’, were by far exceeded and it’s save to say, that Yosemite National park is until this point the most wonderful place I have been to. As the lovely, elderly couple we stayed with at Yosemite NP pointed out, many people don’t appreciate and realise what variety of activities Yosemite National Park has to offer and therefore only stay 1-2 nights. We decided to stay 4 nights in Yosemite National Park and we still only slightly touched the surface of what this beautiful place has to offer - we visited Glacier Point, took a hike from Sentinel Dome to Taft Point, looked at the Giant Sequoias and walked up to the Vernal Falls.
You should take into consideration, that travelling to and from Yosemite National Park (if you don’t stay inside the park in Yosemite Village) takes up a lot of time. Furthermore, especially when visiting Yosemite in summer, you won’t be able to do lots of activities on one day, because the heat, the hiking and the drives are very exhausting, especially if you are not used to it. From my own personal experience, I would recommend focussing on only one activity a day and really taking time to appreciate and enjoy. Now, I want to share with you, why it is worth to explore this gorgeous, unique spot for a longer period of, by showcasing the reasons to visit Yosemite national park and why you should go to Yosemite national park too.
 

at Sentinel Dome enjoying the amazing 360° view 

The silence 

My parents and I were truly amazed by the absolute silence we were able to experience on one of our hikes through the forests of Yosemite National park. Even though my family lives in a tiny village and we are already used to a quiet environment, we were still incredibly astonished by this incomparable silence neither my parents nor I have ever experienced. And specially if you come from a hectic, noisy city, I imagine it to be an amazing, memorable and calming experience for you.

 

The hikes 

Before coming to Yosemite National park, I was not the biggest fan of hikes, because I found them exhausting and boring. On the first day in Yosemite National park we took a 5-mile hike, discovering Sentinel Dome, Taft point and the forests between those two viewpoints. It was really hard, I was totally exhausted in the end and everything was covered in dirt and dust. But let me tell you something - it was absolutely worth it. For things to do in Yosemite national park I would definitely say that hikes are simply the best way to discover National parks (or any destination in general), because you get to experience everything in such detail, you would never be able to do by just going to the popular viewpoints by car. Going off the usual path, coming across nobody for hours and wondering if you are still walking in the right direction, experiencing the beautiful, untouched nature by first-hand is what makes your trip truly memorable and is honestly the best way to make most of your time. 

at Taft Point looking at stunning El Capitan

 

Tenaya Lake

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

The views 

Seeing Half Dome, El Capitan and the gigantic sequoia trees, I had to remember myself several times that this view, in this very moment is real. Even looking at the pictures now, I think those views look too perfect to be real. Being a lover of photography, my mom and I found gorgeous motives wherever we went, although our photographs of Yosemite National park can’t do those natural wonders justice. You simply have to experience it yourself - and when you do, put aside your camera and your phone for a few minutes and just look, breathe, enjoy and soak in those stunning views, because you aren’t likely to come across such beauty again. 

 Don't forget to PIN THIS for later!
 

Get Organised: How to Plan Your Week

Today I want to share with you some how to plan your week and some tips with time management in university. When living on your own for the first time in your life, I find it really important and helpful to stay organised - it makes everything so much easier and less stressful. Generally, if your environment is clean and organised, it helps you focus on the important things and tasks you might want/have to do. And part of being organised for me is having a planner. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine my University life (or life in general) without my planner. Not only because I’m a total sucker for cute stationery, love to colour coordinate my notes and write basically everything that’s happening in my life down, but also because it is actually something that benefits you and your studies, work or whatever you are doing.

 

my planning essentials: planner - pfenningpfeifer // sharpies - target // sticky notes - staples // glasses - lacoste
 

1. Find a planner you like 

 Personally, I like having my whole week on one page, so that I immediately have an overview what I have to do that week on one glance. If you need more space to write down tasks on an everyday basis you can go for a planner which has a whole page for everyday - it all depends on your preferences and needs. 

2. Write down your set and important tasks first 

What I mean by that, is to start off with writing down e.g. your work schedule, the times you are taking classes or whatever relates to your job/work. For me, those set tasks are my lectures as well as my dance and cheerleading sessions.

 

3. Fill in the free spaces by planning out your free time 

 After you have written down everything you (compulsorily) have to do, it will be a lot easier for you to efficiently schedule your free time, because you can easily tell when there are gaps of free time in your daily schedule. Hence for me, I put down my weekly blogpost uploads, when I’m having night outs, go grocery shopping or do my laundry.

 

4. Colour coordinate your activities 

Because I like everything around me to be bright and colourful (and it helps with staying organised) I colour-coordinate my tasks. What that means is basically that you choose a certain colour for every activity category - so go categorise your tasks and find your favourite colour for each of them (I use highlighters or sticky notes). For me that is: yellow - lectures/university appointments, pink - everything to do with my blog, blue - cheer/dance, orange - night outs/birthdays etc., green - random outer-school (is that even a word?) activities. 

notebook - wallgreens // ruler and pencil - present from my mum, so thank you mum I love them

Beside my planner I have a notebook to keep track of all my spendings, because believe me, in University there are lots of those. This notebook helps me to get an overview over all the money I spend on a daily basis and if necessary to see where I can save money.

 

And lastly for all of you who are just as stationery obsessed as I am, I wanted to share with you those gorgeous notebooks and stationery supplies I found in a nearby store (WHSmith). I think we can all agree that this stuff is bomb! 

 How do you stay organised?

Elegant Night Out Outfit

„We could be a story in the morning but we’ll be a legend tonight.“

Jumper - Quiz // Shoes - Primark // Wallet - Guess // Watch - Boccia // Lipstick - Kat von D Lolita

Why I Love Autumn

"Rain is just confetti from the sky."

What is fall weather like where you live?
As far as I can tell (because I’ve only been in Scotland for 1 month), the fall weather here is a mixture of many misty, grey, windy, chilly, cozy days and some sunny, warm days (when I say “warm“ I’m referring to a temperature of approximately 12-14 degrees). The leaves are changing colours, it is mostly chilly and there is a slight wind - very fall-ish.

Rain or Fog? 
Definitely rain. For me, there is nothing nothing more cozy than laying in my bed with tons of soft pillows and thick blankets listening to torrential rain going down outside. When thunder is waking me up in the middle of the night, I always try to stay awake just to listen to it - for me there is nothing more calming and relaxing than the sound of wind, rain and thunder.

Fav Fall/Halloween Movies
My favourite Fall movie has to be Harry Potter - although I watch it basically all the time, no matter which season. And my favourite halloween Movie is “A nightmare before Christmas“ - such a fun and creative story. Favourite fall TV show? Although I don’t currently watch them (because they are both on break) I would recommend “The Vampire Diaries“ and “Pretty Little Liars“ for a good Fall TV show. Both series are filled with mystery and secrets and will really get you into the fall mood.

Favourite Fall lip product?
For that one I choose Kat von D everlasting liquid lipstick in “Lolita“ - a gorgeous pinky, mauve shade. I always get compliments when wearing this shade, it is really long-lasting and not too drying on your lips.

Favourite Starbucks Fall Drink?
Since I don’t like coffee and therefore have never tried the famous pumpkin spice latte I have to go with a hazelnut hot chocolate - it’s so delicious.

Favourite Thing To Do in The Fall
 For an outside activity I have to say that there is nothing better than taking a relaxed walk on a long fall day. For an inside activity I love to carve pumpkins and make cakes or soups out of the flesh (okay to be honest my dad makes the soup - and it is the best thing on this world).

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?
I haven’t decided yet, but I’m thinking of going for a basic black outfit with extravagant makeup.

What song really gets you into the fall spirit?
I know this may probably sound weird but I usually listen to the Harry Potter soundtrack non-stop (yes, I’m that obsessed). No but really - those songs are literally masterpieces. I also love listening to the Paper Kites, they have the most chill music ever.

Autumn Paints In Colours Summer Has Never Seen

"So many things become beautiful when you really look." - Lauren Oliver, Before I Fall 

 One of the benefits of being a Media student is that we actually get to go outside during the tutorials to take photographs of the beautiful nature surrounding our campus - yes, those stunning motives are literally right next to the University buildings (how amazing is that?). I'm in love with how some of the photos turned out - but see for yourselves. I find we should really learn to appreciate, be grateful and see the little things around us. That's why I'm asking you to go outside, take a walk and look at the nature surrounding you - it is gorgeous.

Getting Cozy For Autumn

"I like misty autumn mornings, and cold snowy winter nights. Rainstorms bring me innerpeace, thunder sets my soul alight." 

 Don’t we all somehow love the falling leaves, oversized sweaters, nice smelling candles, warm tea and all the other lovely things which make autumn one of our favourite seasons? For today's post I’m bringing you autumn inspiration to help you get into the autumn mood (if you aren’t in it already). I documented some activities to do on one of those cozy, lazy, maybe even rainy & grey autumn days we all love so much. My first idea is start your day off with a delicious breakfast - today I made vanilla pancakes with salted caramel frosting and chocolate chips, I had fruit for a side and of course some yummy hot chocolate.
 

Get into autumn mood by spending some time on pinterest, tumblr or weheartit - trust me, you will quickly become obsessed, especially when you have a love for pretty things and photography. And also put together an cozy, autumn playlist on Spotify.

 

Grab some friends and go on a nice, autumn walk - almost everyone finds seeing the colourful leaves and enjoying the warm autumn sun truly relaxing.
 

If you have to study for school or university (we shouldn't forget about that) why not get out of your room and go to a nice coffee - it makes your study experience much more exciting and inspiring, gets you outside yet still keeps you on track with Uni/school work. (notebook from walgreens)
 

To reward yourself for being (hopefully) so productive, go to lush, the bodyshop or bath and bodyworks, get an awesome smelling bath bomb or a face mask and have a hot, bubbly bath.

Whether on your walk, while you are studying, when laying in your bath tub or when shopping - listen to Harry Potter audiobooks (or any other audiobooks), because they will really get you into the autumn mood - and I'm just super obsessed with Harry Potter anyway.

Get new sheets in autumn colours, lots of soft blankets and cozy pillows for your bed and make it your comfy place (sheets and blankets from primark). Of course don't forget a good book (I'm currently reading "If I stay" by Gayle Forman), your heatable stuffed unicorn and an autumn movie (mine favourite is of course Harry Potter, but I can also recommend "A nightmare before christmas" or "Hocus Pocus"). 

 Kisses, Laura

Why Do So Many People Love Scotland?

"Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport." 

 Do you know the feeling when you visit a new, unfamiliar, foreign place you don’t know anything about and still have that warm, cozy feeling telling you that you feel at home? This is what I felt like when I came to Scotland - it was true love at first sight. I mean, just look at the pictures, how can you possibly not fall for a place this admirable and beautiful? I tried to capture this beauty of my city in these pictures, although they don’t do the motives justice in any way. That's the reason why I want to motivate you, I want to unleash your wanderlust to make you pack your bags, book a flight and travel to lovely Scotland, because I can promise you that you will love it as much as I do.

That car reminded me so much of the Weasley's flying car in Harry Potter, so obviously I had to take a picture of it.

This is actually the view from one of the buildings of my university - the stunning nature surrounding us there is truly inspiring and makes me even more thankful and excited to have the unique possibility of studying here. 

 What is your latest travel-lovestory? Kisses, Laura

Top 8 College Essentials You Need To Pack

Follow

Introducing Myself to the World

Follow