Faded Spring

Dear Depression: Did You Call Me?

Dear Depression, I remember the first time you paid me a visit. Like a dark cloud you swept into my life and washed away any happiness I had known. You made me feel like I was worthless and questioned who I was as a person. You told me I would never be good enough, that all those people who said I could never amount to anything were right. But here I am still standing, struggling under the weight of your darkness. There are days, weeks even where all I seem to do is cry. I shut myself off from all the people I care about because I don’t know what to say or how to act. I don’t want people to see me as you make me feel: weak, broken and unable to control my emotions. People used to call ... read more

Learning How To Be Casual With Debenhams At V Festival

Conjuring up an image of me wearing wellies and rolling around in mud is hardly brand appropriate. After all, when people comment on your 'Princess dress style' chances are the only backdrop that they are imagining you in is a castle of some sort. And while I certainly don't live up to expectations- unless you like princesses that swear a lot and are socially awkward then be my guest haha- and live in a house share as opposed to a castle, I do tend to be a little extra when it comes to 'dressing up'. Maybe it's because I never really got to dress up as a kid or that I found fashion at a relatively late age, but dresses, even at summer music festivals has always been part of my 'wardrobe ... read more

Faded Spring’s Thoughts On ‘Casual Dating’

Casual Dating: Yay or Nay? When it comes to dating- excluding my university years- I have always been a fan of 'commitment-only' dating. I would enter relationship, after relationship in search of the one, only to find that the dates had been doomed for the very start. You see for one I was attracted to guys who were notoriously known as the 'players', B. were total arseholes and C. had no self-respect for women. But for some unknown reason I kept coming back for more, because in my childish 'eyes' they were 'hot' and therefore could make me appear more desirable, even if the guys were only using me for sex. In a sense we were both using each other; they might have been after one thing ... read more

Exploring Canaletto And The Art Of Venice With Buyagift

Born in 1697, Canaletto was an Italian painter of 'city views' in Venice, who painted canal landscapes with frightening accuracy, even down to the 'seasonal submerging of Venice  in water and ice'. Alongside his talent for 'accurate city depictions' Canaletto also shared a passion for teaching his pupils how to not only paint but also explore the cities that they lived in through the medium of 'art'. While Canaletto's art pieces were painted in the style of Rococo-an interior led painting technique that concentrates on 'large scale decorative paintings'- modern critics believe that his paintings became a precedent for later, impressionist works like Claude Monet's Haystacks Sunset ... read more

Faded Spring’s Wedding Gift Guide

Tis the season to be merry and rejoice... or so they say, because as you know my 'thoughts on marriage' or somewhat derisive, having been subject to many appalling marriages in my own three families. And when I say three families I am referring to my Foster Family, my Biological Mum's Family and my Biological Dad's Family. But despite being a jaded cynic, it doesn't mean that I am against 'marriage' in fact the 'right wedding' can be a lot of fun, it's just I don't see myself getting married in the near future. That being said I have been to some great weddings in my time and have even been a bridesmaid at two weddings too! It was the most gorgeous dress I have ever worn in my life, a burnt ... read more

Adventures In Madame Tussaud’s:Alien Escape

I remember the last time that I was at Madame Tussaud's; I was 14, nearly 15 years old and marveled at the exhibits of wax work figures that stood in the entrance, frozen in time. There was Henry VIII, the woman killing tyrant whose 'loathing for women' created Britain's greatest monarch-in my opinion- Elizabeth I, nonchalantly poised nearby, with a steely stare that would command any passer by to give her respect. And there was the infamous teeny bop stars like Britney Spear's dressed up as her music video 'Toxic' alter-ego, giving the show of her life. For some of my friends they found the wax-works to be creepy and stated that it gave them a shudder to see how these 'wax dolls' were ... read more

12 Unbelievable Experiences That You Must Try In Iceland

Is it just me who has a touch of a wanderlust this year, in fact all I seem to bang on about these days is 'travel' and how excited I am to finally spread my wings. But that's not necessarily a bad thing is it? Besides, what's a girl to do; after being unlocked from my travel cage of five years, I am finally ready to explore the beauty outside of my 'London Surroundings'. I used to dream as a child of the holidays I would take and the places that I would see; where would I go, what would I experience, who I would meet. I had fantasies of holiday romances that would never be and envisioned myself to be a fictional book heroine, who would adventure to places so far away and discover a world ... read more

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bali

As summer draws to a close and autumn peeps through the shadows, my 2017 year of travel is only just beginning. I want to taste the world around me and feel its scent on my lips and drink in the rain that pours over my head. Most of all I want to explore the fruits that this earth has given us; the hidden waterfalls cascading over lush green mountains, the scent of freshly baked bread in rural villages, the seven wonders standing proudly through time.Whether it be a vacation in Indonesia or a trip to the Philippines, there is no doubt that travelling is in my blood. Because it might have lain dormant for 5 years but the beast has awoken and this girl wants her borrowed time back. Next month ... read more

Why I Love To Live In London

One of the things that I love about living in London is how much there is to see and do. From unexpected trips to museums to foraging through breathtaking forests that seem to have come from another world, London offers unlimited possibilities. After moving to London a year ago, I have seen my blog grow from strength to strength but what has surprised me more is how I have grown as a person. I have found myself recapturing my adventurous spirit, that I thought I had lost so long ago and explored a world that I never knew even existed. But without my blog I might never have moved here and for that I am truly grateful. I love how I can still be a tourist in my own city and explore attractions ... read more

A Q&A With Hawthorn About Sustainable Fashion

As a 'cruelty-free blogger' and vegetarian, it is safe to say that I am committed to ensuring no animals are harmed through the purchases that I make, whether that be skincare, make-up or the clothing that I buy. But what if I was to tell you that being 'cruelty-free' is not enough, that we must also look at ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Because the reality is that our clothing contributes to the destruction of our planet, through the way it is manufactured, produced and shipped, which all adds up to air miles and increases emission costs. But there is more to sustainable fashion than just using 'local couriers' to reduce air miles, we must also ... read more