Holiday Time : Portugal

Great Expectations

Is it just me that finds holidays slightly disappointing  I'm not sure if it is the built-up expectations or the feeling that "there's no place like home", but for me its the realization that holidays will never be as exciting as when you are a child. You get that bittersweet feeling of being able to appreciate a holiday with more appreciation for time away, but can't help that notice that the giddy - unable to sleep the night before - feeling just isn't there.

However, I have had somewhat a stressful year with family illnesses, exams, unfortunately deaths, that I was anticipating this next holiday more than I have done in a long while. I decided to share a few holiday snaps with you all (obviously after a long but vital instagram-ing sesh)

Me and my sister (kinda getting that giddy-feeling again due to pre-holiday excitement)

Walking down the streets of Algarve on the way to the beach - much better than streets of Derby...

Views whilst sunbathing..

Some snaps from the beach - one of my favorite places to be

Beautiful view from one of the restaurants in Algarve, and not too pricey

And who can't resist a monkfish and prawn kebab?

Take me back?

Thanks for reading. Please subscribe/follow (whatever it's called around here) if you want to read more.

Please comment below because I would love to hear about all your holidays!

ElleGraceBlogs..<3

Where else to find me:

Twitter: @elliebarker182

Instagram: @elliebarker22

Summer Days

Okay, confession #1 there have been way too many times I have googled "what to do when you're bored in summer". This has occurred more times than I would like to admit to. 

I hate wasting my summer away and I always think when summer finally comes round there's not actually that much to do. Summer becomes overrated however I hate to admit that I am bored. You get that feeling too?

When I try to Google fun things to do it always comes up with pointless games to play with friends that you would probably do when you are about five or that just aren't that realistic. Such as "have a slumber party with your friends and give each other facials" or "organize a netball match between friends". 

So I have decided to write a realistic account of all the fun things I would recommend as an ACTUAL 17 YEAR OLD GIRL to fill your empty summer days.

1. Go to an outdoor cinema. 

Google one in your local area. Trust me it's so much fun simply because it is so different to anything you normally do. When I went I watched Mamma Mia and it was amazing. It was in summer so it wasn't too cold, everyone snuggled up in blankets and had cups of tea and lit candles, (excuse the tea, I'm British). It was so cute and romantic. My ticket only cost £12 so I would say it was well worth it, and who doesn't like the cinema?

2. Go to a festival

Now this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but there's something for everyone. Even if you're not a camper, get a day pass and then you can go home and stay in your own comfy bed. You can go from the ages of 14 and over I believe and it is one of the most unreal friendly experiences you will have, getting to see some of your favorite acts and having a pretty mad time with your friends, as well as meeting new people.

3. Tie Dye T-shirts

Okay this may seem a bit odd but is definitely something I will be doing this year. Tie-dye t-shirts have come back in fashion recently to my delight and I can't wait to try it out. I think it is an amazing way to re-use old t shirts, save money and have fun in the process. I think they look great on holiday over a bikini or with shorts, definite summer 2013 must have. 

4. Try Something New

Now this may seem a bit vague but let your imagination run wild. Me and my friends decided to each choose something completely new to do and we ended up doing some odd things which we never would have done otherwise, including going to a karate class, aqua-zumba class and a traditional 1980's american-style diner. Be imaginative!

5. Relax

Take some time out for yourself. Read a book. Consider what aspects of your life you would like to improve and go for it. Why not, you have long enough to work on it? Get a job, plan your future, do something you always said you would get round to but never quite did. Make the most of your days, please don't wish them away.

Thank you so much for reading. If you want to read more please subscribe/follow to get an email notification when I blog, it would mean the world to me. But I want to know what you guys are getting up to, so please comment below so I can try it out! 

ElleGraceBlogs..<3

Where else to find me:

Twitter: @elliebarker182
Instagram: @elliebarker22

Reading fanatic

I have always been a big book enthusiast. Ever since I can remember I have loved reading. My favorite books were always the Lucy Daniels 'Animal Ark' books. However I remember to this day when an author came into my school and broke the news to me that Lucy Daniels did not exist and that the real authors were a collection of about 10 different people. The name was created so that the books would be found near to Roald Dahl (another childhood favorite  to increase sales. This illusion was now shattered (sorry to any of you other 90's kids which I may have revealed this to).

From the age of 11 to 16 I regret to say I neglected books due to exams, school life and merely forgetting the power of a good book. However, recently I have learned to appreciate the art of a good book once more. So I have decided to share with you my all time favorites which I would recommend if any of you are looking for a good summer read.

'The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night Time'
Mark Haddon

Honestly, don't be fooled by the ridiculously long title it is a good read. If you are looking for a gripping book that is intriguing and is cleverly constructed then this is the one. It follows the tale of a boy with autism and I can honestly say it really helped me to understand autism on a level I thought I never would.

Slumdog Millionaire
Vikas Swarup

I did read the book before the film (in my opinion the book is far better). It is the quickest book I've ever read - due to intrigue not length - So gripping. I would really recommend it. All time favorite book.

Before I die
Jenny Downham

Okay this is not a good book to read for those emotional ones out there. Such a sad tale, however it addresses the harsh reality of the world and enables an insight to be gained into a world so unfamiliar to some. Great for young adults (I read when I was 14) - I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a few tears - real tear jerker

Kane and Abel
Jeffrey Archer

This is a story that follows two boys born on the same day into different lifestyles, highlighting the advantages of being brought up in different areas. It emphasizes situations in our society which we seldom consider, such as the impacts of how our families raise us and the effect of social class. Great intellectual read.

Please comment on your favorite books because I'd love to hear about them and try them out myself. I am currently reading Starter For Ten and I have just found out there is a film based on it featuring Benedict Cumberbatch. That made my day. 
Thanks so much if you managed to make it to the end. Please subscribe and comment, it would mean so much to me. I will be doing more blogs - so keep in tuned for some fashion/beauty type blogs coming up. 

ElleGraceBlogs..<3

Where else to find me..
Twitter: @elliebarker182
Instagram: elliebarker22