28 October 2014

A Masters Degree from the Expats Point of View


I was going to write this post up and explain the differences between the UK and US education system,
but Taylor has already done that,
and why would I try and outdo her incredibly awesome and detailed post?
Especially when I wouldn't be able to...


So
Let's just talk about how I chose my study path instead,
and hope that helps some of you..

You all know that I moved to London with the intentions of staying permanently,
and that is exactly what was in my mind while going into this grad school process.

I wanted to make sure I was getting a degree that was to benefit me for the long-term,
both career-wise but also securing a work visa.
Because ummmm, how do you expect me to move forward with a career if I CAN'T GET ONE??


My official masters title is MA Management.
I chose this degree from an expat point of view -
it's a very general course with a wide range of skills offered.
My classes involve Human Resources, Economics, Managing Operations, even Psychology.

By doing these, I'm able to gain a wide range and foundation of the skills necessary for different career paths.
I didn't want to go into something too specific, because my future here is still very open,
along with the fact that I am still young and learning what I like and don't like.
I don't want to rule any industry out because I simply don't know a lot about it.


So by having this degree, I'll be able to interview in many different industries,
and in the case that I do return to the USA,
(I need to make this quick, my anxiety is already rising thinking about this...)
I'll have a Masters Degree from an international university where I was able to gain a global business perspective, as well as learn how to work with different people from all walks of life.


All in all, this will benefit me wherever life takes me.
And let's just hope that it takes me exactly where I already am..




ALSO!
I'm being featured over at Route Bliss today!
Christina has asked me to participate in her Bliss Seekers series,
so you'll find me over there answering a few questions about all things travel.
Check it out HERE!

26 October 2014

Sunday Lovin'


While it's been a lovely week, it's also been a busy week.
I was a little over my head thinking my time-management was under control..

Anyways - it's Sunday!
And today's Sunday will be a little different.
Rather than things I love, today's about the bloggers I love.

Just a quick list of great reads that I'll seriously judge you over 
if you haven't already heard of them...


1)
http://www.adventurings.com/

 

2)
http://www.dueeastblog.com/
 

3)
http://mariellegreen.com/ 

4)
http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/

5)
http://unlockingkiki.com/


6)
http://www.annainwonderland.co.uk/ 

7)
http://www.snowintromso.com/

 
8)
http://www.freedom-of-excess.blogspot.co.uk/

9)
http://www.girl-meets-globe.com/


10)
http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/



Happy reading!


21 October 2014

Why You Should Travel With Your Best Friend

I see so many posts:
"17 Reasons You Should Travel Alone"
"Why Going Solo Is The Way To Go"
"Traveling Alone Is What You Should Do"
"Blah Blah Blah Blah"

I mean, you can only write about the same topic in so many different ways and it still be inspiring...

BUT,
I do completely agree with these posts - they are great.
You should travel alone - have the solo experience;
really learn about who you are.

But I'm not writing about that today.
While I'm all for that,
I'm even more for traveling with your friends.


You all know Heather.
Well, by now you should.
And if not, you should probably visit this page
that will - while it should be updated - give you the details.

Heather and I met as a random roommate assignment on our study abroad semester three years ago.
Everything I have experienced since then has been with her.
We've basically become a package deal. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

And all of the amazing,
and strange,
things that we've done have been together too.
It's been pretty great, if I say so myself.

Like that one time we slept on the street,


Or the time we actually decided to dress like Leprechauns in Ireland,


Or that other time we became backup dancers

And then the time after that when we became the actual singers...

What I'm saying is
you can go on your own and get a soul-searching experience.
Absolutely.
But I've done my fair share of traveling,
and I've done it all with someone else.
But even so,
I've still found myself and who I am more than I ever believed I could,

It's a different type of friendship when you find yourself in these situations you've never been in before.
Having someone to deal with the issues and chaos doesn't take away how scary it is when you're running through an airport about to miss a flight, or on a train full of German men yelling at you.
But I know that I was glad to have someone there to calm me down when my anxiety was hitting the roof.

And having them to experience all of the amazing memories too is really something special.
No one understands what we've been through, and what we are currently going through.
But to have someone who DOES get it,
well, it's pretty great.




19 October 2014

Sunday Lovin' : London in Photos

AKA "The Lazy Girl Post"

I've been out of town this weekend, soooo how about a photo haul of the last few weeks in London?
I think we all can love that.




17 October 2014

Fab Four Friday

If you've ever underestimated my love for The Beatles,
this post may completely convince you. 


Yes, that's Paul (and grandfather).
And yes, that's us.
And I'm pretty proud of this comparison - except for the fact that I'm lacking the moustache...


Last week, our friend Jenna came to visit us in London.
And Jenna is a huge Beatles fan just like us - we actually met through our shared passion for them and their music.

We went all over London to different Beatles spots, just like the one above -
Marylebone Station.

This is the station where the first scenes of their film A Hard Days Night were filmed.
And you know if we're going to be in the exact location, we're bound to do some reenactments.

The above picture is in Marylebone Station, where Paul is disguising himself as all the fangirls chase John, George, and Ringo.

And below is the scene of the fangirls chasing John, George, and Ringo ....
which was filmed right outside the station on Boston Place.

It's one of the greatest scenes of the movie because George takes a completely unplanned tumble onto the sidewalk,
and Ringo goes down right on top of him.

John is just running and laughing, and the whole thing is just so adorable and hilarious.


Aaaaaaaaand you know we just had to reenact that too.

Here's the opening scene of the movie:

Replay if you must - I always have to.

And here's our 'opening scene'

I got a pretty nice bruise on my knee from this, but it was so worth it.
Possibly one of the most fun things I have done with my friends.

Yes, I know .... we're obsessed.


Happy Friday!




14 October 2014

Shhhhh! It's A Speakeasy!


Last week, I was invited by PR and Everyting Inbetween to the launch event
for a new bar opening in North London.
B.Y.O.C. Camden is a speakeasy themed bar, where you'll feel like you've stepped right into the 1920's.


You all are well aware how much I love my old school - and this place, was REALLY old school.
Men in blinders hats, some Gene Austin and Paul Whiteman on the speakers,
the fact that we were underground and without windows to the outside world added to the imagination.

Wait, what imagination?
I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm pretty sure I literally went back in time.


The format of this bar is something unlike anything I've seen these days.
B.Y.O.C. - Bring Your Own Cocktail - is a literal term here.

Back in the prohibition days, alcohol was forbidden,
and if you missed my memo earlier - you're now in that time.
See those blackjack tables and roulette wheels?
We're drinking in disguise here.


Okay, so how this works.
A £25 cover fee and a bottle of liquor gets you into the bar with access to all of the flavors to create all the cocktails for your tasting pleasures.
Not to mention their blends are an entire selection of homemade organic syrups, pressed juices, with spices and herbs - so when I say tasting pleasures, I really mean it.

Easier noted:
You supply the goods (liquor), they supply the REAL goods (mixings).



The mixologists have an intuition for great drinks.
And by that, I mean I asked for long and refreshing cocktail, and my bartender had decided off the top of her head that she was going to try and mix two separate cocktail recipes together as one.
When she's never done that before.
Who thinks of that?
And not only that - who thinks of that, AND is right about it being a fantastic drink?

Yep, I was sold.
You'll be seeing me back there again soon.

All images used are credited to B.Y.O.C.

B.Y.O.C. Camden is easy to find - step out of the Morning Crescent Tube Station,
a few steps up Camden High Street and you're there.

To make a booking, head over to B.Y.O.C. Camden,
and move fast - this place just opened, and they're booking up nightly!





12 October 2014

Sunday Lovin'



1) London life. I'm loving it.
And it feels so great to say that with the frustrating beginning we had.
I'm working, getting well into my classes, and finding the time to enjoy myself in the city.
I'm so into those cheesy reflective posts, so I'd prepare for one pretty soon if I were you..


2) The 22 Coldest Things That Have Ever Happened on Buzzfeed,
because I'm sorry, but it's hilarious.


3) Kaelene's ABC's of Travel.
Such a fun post idea, I may have to steal it for myself!


4) Ashley took advantage of her flying discounts and jumped across the pond for a few days.
Just a quick and spontaneous visit, because she can't stay away.
And to me that's pretty cool - if you want to do something, GO FOR IT.


5) The fact that London sets out their Christmas decoration, sales, and promos before America even does it.
I mean, I've been seeing Christmas things for the past two weeks and it's barely October..
But of course it's on here because I absolutely love it - who ever has a problem starting Christmas early?


6) A few never before seen images of Elvis Presley.
Because let's face it, the guy is just great to look at...
You're welcome.


5) The Kinks musical, Sunny Afternoon.
I just saw this earlier today and had so much fun!
Not to mention I saw next to a couple from Liverpool.
I tell you, it follows me. Aaaaaaand I'm so okay with that.



10 October 2014

Fab Four Friday

Two Fab Four Fridays in a row? Yep, time-management is fiiiiiiinally coming along..


Ever heard of John Lennon? 
You know, just one of the greatest songwriters in the history of music,
in THE greatest band of all time.
And if you're on my page, I sure hope you've heard of him by now.

John's birthday was yesterday, so today's all about him.
He would have been 74 if he were here, and I know we all wish he was.
He is one of the goofiest, passionate, and just straight up brilliant men in music.
I clearly can't get enough of him.

He's a big part, probably the biggest, of how The Beatles came together.
John had been into forming a band since he was 16 years old.
His first was called The Quarrymen, which began with a few friends from Primary School.
Paul McCartney and George Harrison were both asked to join within the next year,
and after a few gigs and plenty of other names,
 (Johnny and the Moondogs, Beatals, The Silver Beetles...)
an official name was chosen, Ringo came along, the heavens aligned,
and The Beatles were made.

The first song that John wrote was called 'Hello Little Girl,'
and as you've probably guessed, I'm obsessed with it.

It was given to the band, The Fourmost, and became a top hit for them.
Buuuuuuuut I biased to John singing it.

Take a listen below,
the video even includes some adorable pictures for you to gush at, free of charge...

Happy Friday!

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