Summer Solstice Vibes

As you may already know, last Friday was the Summer Solstice. This is the celebration of the first day of summer and occurs when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. However, this weekend was extra special as there was also a 'Supermoon', this is when the moon reaches its closest point to earth. I've been doing a little research and apparently this can make the moon seem up to 14% bigger & 30% brighter! To celebrate, I spent the evening at The Yard in Cheshire, for their women's only 'Rose Moon Light Night'...

"Dress in your colours, perhaps add a splash of red or gold (the colours of the solstice) and be sure to wear flowers in your hair..." 

Dress: Topshop  Kimono: Boohoo  Boots: Daisy Street  Daisy Hair Garland: Claire's Accessories  Luna Necklace: Urban Outfitters

We all ate alfresco and tucked into a smörgåsbord of delicious vegetarian food. Edible flowers were also scattered across the dishes to add a bohemian vibe (and made for some pretty photos!)

The room was a sea of women wearing bindis, flower headpieces and ethereal dresses. There was also various entertainers dotted around: Indian head massagers, a fortune teller and two crystal healers. During the night, I had my tarot cards read, Aura cleansed and Chakras aligned! According to Zaida I have lots to look forward to...

Everybody was also asked to add their wishes to the wish tree, which was later burned. Apparently it's a Pagan tradition to burn wishes during the Summer Solstice as the smoke carries the requests to the Gods.

I've pinched this photo from Sadie Pickering's twitter.. hope you don't mind Lovely!

After everybody had practically reached enlightenment and were in a Zen state of mind, the pinnacle of the evenings entertainment began. The singer songwriter Kirsty Almeida performed a really intimate gig surrounded by an abundance of fairy lights and tapestries. The Yard's owners daughter (and my friend) Sadie Pickering also played a few of her own songs... but I was so mesmerised that I completely forgot to take any photos!

Just before the evening drew to a close, we all gathered in the garden to light a bunch of lanterns & catch a glimpse of the full moon... it was the perfect end, to the perfect night!

I've left some links below of Kirsty's SoundCloud and Sadie's music video. There's something so soothing about their voices...

From the moment I walked in, I was in my element. I often get called 'hippy dippy', so to be in a room full of spiritual women on the same wavelength as me was amazing. The energy, the ambience, the sisterhood, the live music, the food... everything was so beautiful! The tickets were also very reasonable at just £18 (with £3 from each ticket donated to Green Peace). If you're ever in Cheshire, you should definitely pop into The Yard... even if it's just for one of their famous juices!

I hope you all had a wonderful Summer Solstice and made some BIG wishes for the future... what did you wish for?

Love and Light,

Revision tips & tricks

Good morning Petals!

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post! So much has happened since then, lots of new ventures which I'll be filling you all in with over the next few posts! The most exciting of all has to be that I've (FINALLY) finished sixth form and sat all of my A-Level exams! I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying that sentence :-)

My exams actually finished on June 7th, quite a lot earlier than most people, so I thought I'd share my top revision tips & hopefully make your exams a wee less scary...

1) COLOUR CODE. This is essential for me, as I have a photographic memory. For instance, I like to keep all quotes in one colour, critical perspectives in another... then in the exam it's much easier to visualise my revision notes. I tend to go a little colour crazy and stock up on bright folders, pens and post it notes... by the time my exams finished, my daily lust on topshop.com had become Paperchase.

2)Set a REALISTIC timetable. Now I don't know about you, but I've never liked the idea of sticking to a strict plan... I'm more of a 'whichever subject is calling me' kind of girl. But trust me, when it comes to A-Levels, you have to create a timetable as there's so much to cover. The key is to be realistic... don't start your schedule super early and plan to write practice essays at 6am. A) Let's face it, who wakes up before 10 voluntarily? and B) if you're already behind before you've even had breakfast, you're more likely to procrastinate for the rest of the day!

3) Keep an eye on your snacking habits & stay hydrated. This is the perfect example of how I give great advice... but very seldom use it. I'll be honest, when I'm in my 'revision zone', I have been know to eat second breakfasts and know that copious amounts of snacks tend to be the only bearable part of revision... but try to maintain a balance & feed your body the nutrients it needs to cope during this stressful time.

4) Find a study buddy. The old proverb 'misery loves company' has never been more relevant. I think it's natural to want to be in the same boat as someone and hear that you're not the only one finding things difficult. Meet at your favourite cafe and just keep reminding each other "this time next week we'll be sat here after our philosophy exam, enjoying d victory drink". It really is the little things that'll keep you going..

5) Create a revision playlist. Now, everybody is different when it comes to listening to music and revising. Personally, having my Ipod on helps get me in the zone and drown out the rest of the world. I tend to stick to laid-back vibes: Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Corinne Bailey Rae, Paolo Nutini...

6) Have a switch off point. Create a rule that, besides the day before an exam, you won't revise any later than 7pm. At this point, do something to unwind and free your mind. Take your dog for a walk, read a few chapters of your current read or have a relaxing bath. During my exams, I apocalypse-style stocked up on my favourite Lush bubble bars. Over the last few months I've become addicted to their cult classic 'Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds'! The bar's named after The Orbs' 1990 hit, another staple to any revision playlist...

Your exams will be over before you know it, so keep pushing yourself... write that timed essay, email your teacher to grade a past paper. Just know that you've done everything in your power to reach your potential, so that you don't spend all summer wishing and worrying!

7) & When it all gets a little too much.. just breathe. 

Do you have any revision tips?