123. Lifestyle // Tributes

Last week, I lost my Grandad to cancer. It had been a long illness but one that seemed to make very little difference to his quality of life, or how healthy he looked, until the end when things deteriorated rapidly. Faster than I'd ever have imagined. 

Just over a month after I saw my Grandad for the last time, he passed away, peacefully in his sleep, in the same house as he was born, with his wife and two children comforting him. 

The point of this post, however, is not that I have lost someone, but the impact that it has had on my philosophy on life.

Instead of a funeral, my Grandma decided we should hold a Thanksgiving service to celebrate his life, rather than mourn his death. This was held on Friday afternoon, several hours after the burial, and it left me feeling incredibly inspired.

So, why? Well, my Grandad was an amazing man. He traveled the world, he had a long and loving marriage, he built a successful career for himself, he had many passions, he had hundreds of friends from across the globe and he one hundred percent made the most of his life. He loved, respected and cherished life. 

The incredible turnout for his Thanksgiving service and the beautiful words his friends, family and colleagues had to say about him, amazed me. I had known that he was well liked and knew many people, but to hear that he had influenced or enriched so many peoples lives really moved me.

I truly believe that sometimes something tragic has to happen in order for you to discover something more positive. Whether that be a thunderstorm which produces a rainbow, or a death that produces a new lust for life. Something that makes you appreciate what you have, and what you could have if you try hard enough.

This loss has truly inspired me to make the most of my time on Earth, to stop wishing my life away and dreaming of what could have been, and instead making damn sure it happens.

Life is short and it is precious.

I want to be sure that I have helped and loved. 
I want to have experienced things I could never even dream of.
I want to have changed things for the better.
I want to have learnt to love myself, so that I can truly love life. 
I want to have been successful, whether that be through work, love or family. 

Above all, I want to create a life that I am proud of. 

Even if I'm just half as proud of my life, achievements and experiences, as I am of my Grandad's then I know it'll be a worthwhile existence.

94. Fashion // Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas

With February 14th approaching, I couldn't not do a Valentine's Day post. Despite not being a romantic (and definitely not having a romantic boyfriend!) we always do something to celebrate the day.

This year, we're heading to a local Italian for a tasty meal together, and I can't wait. I'm a strong believer that you should tell the person you love that you really do love them every single day, if not several times a day, and not just on Valentine's day. But it's still a lovely opportunity for you to spend some quality time together and it's also a brilliant excuse to get dressed up...

1. ASOS, £25 (available in regular sizes, as well as ASOS Curve) // 2. New Look, £27.99 (Wide Fit) // 3. Not On The Highstreet, £185

I have metaphorically fallen head over heels for this gorgeous sunflower print tea dress as it reminds me of a dress that I had as a child, and I think it's such a playful and feminine print, perfect for a meal out and could be teamed with a blazer for that smart, office look, or with a denim jacket and sandals for the summer. 

These chunky boots from New Look are also perfect for the current weather. I think they'd go great with the dress as they'd add a bit of edge to an otherwise very feminine outfit, plus - at £27.99 - they're a total steal.

Now, this beautiful watch is slightly completely out of my price range at a whopping £185, but I absolutely love it. I love the braided strap, it's elegant and also very unique and I think it would compliment the dress perfectly as they both have an almost folk-y sense.