I'm going to be honest here, I said in my A Photo Per Day || October that the month of Halloween was crappy. Pfft. Do you ever want to go back in time and prepare yourself for the brutality that is about to come? Yeah, November has been hellish. One of the worst months I've had in a heck of a long time. But alas, this is not a Bath Musings and I can keep my inner meltdown for that (fun, I know). The name of this series is now a regret as I have failed massively the past two months at posting every day. I haven't really left the house and I most definitely haven't had much inspiration for photo taking days. A lot of these photos are throwbacks, but I guess that has the theme of my month. I've constantly been surrounding with the present but thinking of better times. It's unhealthy but, yeah. Alas, here is November and let's all hope for a merry December. (Both figuratively and literally.) 

I deserve to have an extremely cold drink thrown in my face, Glee style. I've failed miraculously at this segment during the month of August, but I have good reasons.. kind of. I went camping for the first time this month (hopefully there will be a post going up later this week about that), went on a 2 day trip that both wiped me out physically but made me appreciate my surroundings a tad more, and I guess I simply got too lost in reality to remember to pick up my camera/phone. So don't judge me! I'm sorry. Next month I pledge to be more active online, or at least put some effort into it. Truth be told, August has been a great but awful month. It's felt as though these last 31 days have been looked over by a timer that is ticking so loud it's deafening me. I've been happy, incredibly happy, but everything seems to be followed up by dread or complications that ought to not be there. I wish I could have 24 hours to do everything my heart desires without having to worry about the consequences or other people in my life - selfish, I know. I guess that's been the theme of my month though - trying to hold onto the happiness despite the obvious slack I am starting to have. Next month everything changes for me again, and though I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my mum and cat, I'm dreading that moment that I find myself laying in my bed and feeling the weight of silence and lack of control and.. well, distance. I don't want to have to continue living on a countdown for one thing or another, and I just wish I had the inner strength to say "sod it" and do what my heart is screaming at me - find a way to not live in the in-between anymore. Probably a bit too honest and heavy for a post about photos, huh? This is August.

July 2017 was the first month that I spent entirely in the USA. And boy, has it been an interesting experience. I've been happy for a good portion of this month and it's been equally thrilling as bewildering. I don't know whether it's because I'm adjusting to my surroundings or if it's just plain ol' stupidity, but my mind is currently taking over a little too much for my liking. So I vow to zip that trap shut in August. Alas, lets concentrate on the good. This month saw my first ever 4th of July bash, which included as much food and beer as shown on TV shows. I found a somewhat rhythm to my blog, that is particularly refreshing as I'm now slowly working my way through the "draft" section. Books have certainly been a reoccurring theme as I - well, my kind fiancé - bought over 50 used books from various libraries and recycled book stores to see us through any possible zombie apocalypse, twice over. I've rekindled my love for photo taking and looked into delving headfirst into the world of bullet journals. I guess you could say this has been a month for including new things into my life. It's been a good one. Here's July:

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02/07/2017: Currently Reading: Massive by Julia Bell. A short book tackling the subject of ED's and how they affect both the individual and those surrounding them. I'm roughly 70 pages in and am currently enjoying it. May write up a review once I'm done as I hadn't heard about the book until I stumbled across it in a charity shop. (Click HERE to read my review)

03/07/2017: Sleepy kitties are the cutest of kitties. True story.

04/07/2017: Happy 4th of July! As I'm currently with @billiamswn in California, I have the opportunity to celebrate a holiday that I've never even paid attention to before (obviously, way smart, Anne). So, yay, exciting! From what I've gathered thus far, it's mostly about family and food. Two things I'm always down for.

05/04/2017: New Post: "2017 Book Wrap-Up: January - June" || Click HERE to view. I started the year wanting to read 50 books. We've surpassed the midway point, so how am I doing? Check out my post to see! Disclaimer: photo not mine.

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06/07/2017: Is there anything more refreshing than new notebooks? It's like a clean slate for the mind (and hands).

07/07/2017: Black truffle and garlic fries, fish & chips (yuk) with lots of coleslaw (yum), and cocktails. What more can a couple want for a date night? We also caught Spider Man: Homecoming today and it was a Web of fun. Get it? Yeah, I'll leave. What's your ideal date? 

08/07/2017: I went for a super short hike (? Kind of. Just down and up a hill. Kinda counts. Ish.) earlier, and stood beneath many redwood trees. There is nothing quite like it.

09/07/2017: Ocean views with @billiamswn. The peacefulness that is this never gets old. 

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10/07/2017: 'I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy."' - Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar.

10/07/2017: I finished The Martian the other day after having it on my TBR for what felt like years (let's face it, with the speed of which the years are passing, it probably was). Worth the wait? Most definitely. Mark is a great character and this is a first science fiction novel that I've read from a man's POV. So that was a nice change. I enjoyed the journal aspect of it the most, which is surprising as I usually find that in a book annoying as it prohibits me from bonding with any other character than the main. Have you read it? What did you think?

11/07/2017: Little bowl of happy. This is a way better take on the "taste the rainbow" thing. 

11/07/2017: This was a snapshot of my face (wow, spoiler) from earlier. Today was a good day, despite the current pain situation. chronic pain and fibromyalgia both suck, as do most invisible illnesses. It feels like a creature living inside your body not daring to show its ugly face to the world, but oh yeah, you definitely know it's there. I thank the Lord for @billiamswn and his unwavering understanding and help. But anyway, back on topic, yay for day trips! 

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12/07/2017: How dreamy is this used bookstore? There was meant to be a kitty roaming but we (@billiamswn and I) didn't see him/her. Sad times. Shelf goals though.

13/07/2017: This is an accurate representation of how I feel right now. Thank you, Charlie. 

14/07/2017: Do you want to know how to make a cottage cheese and broccoli breakfast bake? Of course you do! Because it's yummy! Click HERE to view. 

15/07/2017: "Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better." I feel like life is currently on a ticking clock counting down and I hate it. I hate that changes are so often here that you can never really seem to gather your bearings. I just want time to stand still for a little while.

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16/07/2017: New Post: "The Second Collective Book Haul" || Click HERE to view. It's been years since I discovered the haul side of Youtube and thus the blogger side, yet I still have a fascination with seeing what people have bought - especially when it's books or clothes. What type of posts/videos never get old for you? 

17/07/2017: Can we all take a moment to appreciate the fact that I haven't killed mine and @billiamswn's second child Henry 2.0, despite the fact I sleep in the same room as him? Go me! The curse must be on my mother, and not my plant loving soul. (No, fiance. That doesn't mean you can bring home another. Our room will resemble a scene from The Jungle Book.) 

18/07/2017: Currently Reading: The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. So far I'm liking it! It's written in a rather poetic way and the characters don't seem annoying. Yay! Have you read it? What did you think?

19/07/2017: American sizings never seem to not astound me. My mouth is happy for it though. 

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20/07/2017: New Post: "Massive by Julia Bell || [spoiler-free review]" || Click HERE to read. I hadn't heard of this book prior to picking it up in a charity shop. Covering the topic of a teenage girl's fall into an eating disorder and the mistakes it takes to get there, Massive isn't your lighthearted tale, but nothing written about this topic should be. Due to the current online controversy surrounding To The Bone, I thought now would be a good time to give you an alternative option. Have you seen the movie? What did you think?

21/07/2017: Do you like movies? Do you like podcasts? Do you like nerdy stuff? Boy, do I have the greatest suggestion for you... *drum roll*... Future Flicks! @somenerds very own @billiamswn has a podcast that now has over 50 episodes! Find out what is getting released on the big screen each week and get a glimpse into the future of the movie world (Get it? Future? Talking about flicks? Future flicks). You can check it out on any podcast listening app or just click HERE to view on the official SomewhatNerdy site. You can thank me later.

22/07/2017: American gets merged with an Irish fella. Who isn't a cat person? How is that even a thing? Look at their little faces. *grabby hands* 

23/07/2017: Take me back to cheese, avocado, sprouts, red onion and mustard filled bagels on a park bench. Why do we take photos of our food? It feels a little like torture when you scroll past something yummy but can't have it. Damn you, modern world.

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24/07/2017: Anniversary flowers is only one of the many kind gestures my better half does. I'm incredibly lucky and I am unashamed to yell that from rooftops (depending of course on how tall the building is, I mean, I'm not insane). I've been thinking of doing some wedding related posts on my blog, as in what style of dresses I've been admiring/flower arrangements/ideas/ favourite sites to browse/yada,yada. But I don't know whether it's content people would enjoy to read as nothing is set in stone yet. What do you think? I'd appreciate feedback. 

25/07/2017: Minor sneak peek at an upcoming haul. Which are new? Which are rented? Oooooohhhh. The mystery. But seriously, I love library discount stores. 50c for a book? I'm down. My poor suitcase. What do you tend to buy on vacation? 

26/07/2017: “... you can only hope that in those moments of dark reflection ... that you are not alone ...” - Lucas Scott, One Tree Hill. 

27/07/2017: Am I a sandwich girl now? Because.. plot twist.

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01/06/2017: Start the new month off right by treating your body with the care it deserves. Here's my "cheat day" plate rule: Half business, half party. 🤗 Ground breaking, right? Whaaat? It's not? Oh well. At least the colours make my plate look pretty.

02/06/2017: I went thrifting today and got this gorgeous boutique dress for... wait for it... £1! Bargain. Sadly my butt refuses to be confined by the thick material (squats can be evil), but alas.. pretty!

03/06/2017: I think this little lady has made her way back home and I'm so incredibly thankful for that. I do miss her little babbles though. 

05/06/2017: Her snout is abnormally long. Once you notice it, it's all you'll ever see. Dogs be cray looking, ain't no cat, that's for sure. 

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06/06/2017: New Post: "Bath Musings, EP.02 || "I'll admit, change scares me." Click HERE to read. This is the second instalment in my Bath Musings blog series. In today's episode we discuss why change scares me so much, where I'm heading in life and LDR complications. I'd really appreciate you play the role of my therapist and listen (read) my rambles. What are Internet buddies for?

07/06/2017: If you'd like a little Summer in your mouth but the dreary British weather is putting you off the Pimms, go with the age ol' classic of tea. Just go for something more fun! It's like cocktails for those of us who enjoy reading in bed at night with the fairylights on. (Though I still think I've favour red wine.) 

08/06/2017: Hopefully my next read: On The Road by Jack Kerouac. My TBR pile is ever growing, but I'm slowly making my way through which ought to count for something, right? I'm currently reading The Lovely Bones and I'm torn on what I think. Have you read it? Or On The Road? Let me know, I'd appreciate it. 

09/06/2017: The weather has brightened up and it's making me miss my red hair. 😢 #firstworldproblems

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10/06/2017: I bought myself a £1 sketchbook today. I know, I'm totally out of control. Must come with foreseeable age. *nod, nod* This is just a 5 minute crappy doodle, but I want to start experimenting a little more with art. It's therapeutic and a good 'me time' thing. What do you do to relax your mind? 

11/06/2017: His & Hers with @billiamswn. Yeah, I'd be the one that had a cheese coma after this. We will be reliving this land of unhealthiness in exactly 11 days. Semi terrified, semi enthusiastic. Entirely in love. 

12/06/2017: How lovely is this shot? Be sure to follow @thenorwegiandaily, your feed will thank you!

12/06/2017: I've aged! Yay! New Post: "21 Things I Want to Do When 21" is up on my blog. Click HERE to read. I'd really appreciate a click. 

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May was a month of happenings. Not all good, actually, barely any were good. The world shattered with the bombing at Manchester that took the lives of too many innocent souls. My mother spent majority of the month unwell, meaning that her birthday semi-flopped. My heart has felt like a boulder that I've been dragging around with me from May 1st to May 30th, if I'm to be entirely honest. Everything has seemed wrong this month, and with that, everything has gone wrong. Next month will be better. I'll be travelling halfway across the world (again) to spend over 2 months with my better half. I'll be ageing a whole year. And I'll make an effort to spark something inside again. I need to get back my writing mojo. I've been half-arsing blogging during May and I want that to stop. This is meant to be escape. Positives? I've read a whole lot during May. And in spite of the tragedy at Manchester, the world came together and the love spread across social media was rather beautiful/ I just wish that something so awful has to happen to make us humans open up our hearts to others. June will be better, but for now, here is May.

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01/05/2017: New Post: "Llandudno Victorian Day Extravaganza, North Wales." || Click HERE to view. We're throwing it back to Saturday on the blog with a photo packed post about the yearly funfair that takes place in Llandudno. Rides like these flip my stomach when looking up at them, so this shot was 100% painful to take, heh. What's your favourite funfair ride? 

05/05/2017: Dress details. I'm finding it semi impossible to find anything weddingy that I like. Everything is too over the top or too simple. I really like the back detail of this dress from @topshop. Cream, lace and elegant? Check. Would suit my arms and chest? Nope. Life is cruel.

07/05/2017: I recently reread The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and forgot how much I appreciate this book. (The movie is also quite good for an adaption) Charlie is the softest character I have had the pleasure of reading about (in a good way) for a long while - possibly since my last read of this slender novel. It's a convincing portrayal of the modern teenage life. Which is semi disheartening, but.. yeah. Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts. Any recommendations?

08/05/2017:  New Post: "From Brown to Red: A Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Colour review." Click HERE to view.  It's been a fair few weeks since my hair got a makeover but I wanted to get a good overall impression of the boxed dye before writing up a review. Drugstore dye is always hit or miss, after all. 

09/05/2017: Ignore the pile of clothes on my bed (was in the process of trying on Summer clothes), but how cute is this shirt from @hm? A bargain at £7.49! You can really find some online gems when it comes to highstreet fashion. The delivery was so great as well, speedy and free with a discount code.

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10/05/2017: I recently won a competition on Twitter (run by the lovely @iamkirstiekins), and received these little gems in the post. I've read Gone Girl, but my mum is hogging my original copy. (Tsk!), but the other two are completely new to me. Have you read or heard anything about them? Let me know!

14/05/2017: Happy Mothers Day to all the US people on Instagram! Why not celebrate the way me and my mother do, and watch some horror-motherly flicks? Here are our picks! 

15/05/2017: "Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving." 

18/05/2017: Throwback: My little sunshine who is always around my heart. I never thought it was possible to grieve a pet this deeply. Everyday when I go downstairs to my mum, I expect Jess to be laying beside her - her thick tail hitting against the couch hard and a smile that never failed to resemble a bad yearbook photo gracing her features. When I eat anything in a pot, my impulse is to call her name so she can lick it clean. When I go to the shop, my hand itches to reach for a 5p lollipop for her. It's been nearly 2 years and I'm still lost in the memories. And I can't decide whether that's a good or bad thing. .

19/05/2017: A vintage style #FromWhereISit. I'm around 6 chapters into Find Her by Lisa Gardner and I'm really liking it so far! I'm intrigued by the unknown and there are two kick ass ladies. Yup, two. The sun is shining, I'm wearing my newest thrifted item and have a tootsie pop between my lips. Summer might not be as bad this year. (She says, in Spring. Watch this space.) 

20/05/2017: Happy Caturday! This is a throwback shot but I absolutely love it. Between his cuteness and the shadows.. oy vey. 

21/05/2017: Dreaming of cappuccinos in a quiet little cafe. I don't know if you fellow bloggers can relate, but sometimes writing in the quiet of your own bedroom can get grating. I need inspiration or the laughter of families as background noise. Some days, vlogs or music can help, but others? Not so much. I'm craving human company, even if it isn't directed towards me. If that makes sense. Sigh.

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21/05/2017: New Post: A review of Wild by Cheryl Strayed. || Click HERE to read. Spoiler: I loved this book. So darn much. Have you read it? What were your thoughts? 

22/05/2017: Sometimes you just need to be super duper British and have a veggie all English. This is what Mondays are for...? 

23/05/2017: I go through today with a heavy rock in my chest and thoughts lost towards those affected by the events in Manchester last night. I can't fathom such cruelty, such.. weakness. It's incredibly sad. This place - which is the result of a 2 hour hike - seems wrong in the moment. Too beautiful in a horrific world. 

24/05/2017: Throwing it back to yesterday when I was up in the mountains (literally) and had a decent hairstyle going on. Truth be told, I hate this photo, my smile looks fake, I remember the pain I felt in my back and heart, and its just all round blegh to me. Alas, I had nothing to post today so I'm willing to settle. I have to learn to be okay with that, ya know? Today was a little brighter, but not much. You have to decide when the right time is to let go of the pain that you don't really have a right to feel. I keep thinking of the families involved with the Manchester tragedy, it's like a shadow over everything. Their pain is unimaginable. Maybe we just have to smile for the broken hearts, even when it's hard. I don't know anymore.

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25/05/2017: "Focus your energy on the fragrance and beauty of the petals not on the thorns."

26/05/2017: I think I have an unhealthy relationship with snacking. I instantly assume it's something for a "cheat day" and often deprive myself of feeding my rumbling stomach because I think it's best to wait until Dinner - no matter how long away it is. I want to change that. I've been working on my fitness (a never ending battle due to fibro, but hey, at least I'm trying) so my body needs the nutrients. Here's to trying to change for the better, I guess..? 

27/05/2017: Happy Caturday! My little guy is thriving from the sunshine that is gracing us brits. To think he's Irish, he sure is made for the heat.

28/05/2017: Yesterday I finished Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood and I liked it. Wouldn't say loved, but I appreciated the story and I will admit to tearing up a few times. It's definitely a #YA gem from a genre I usually wouldn't pick up. It was a pleasant change. What are you currently reading? Have you read Infinite Sky? If so, what did you think? 

29/05/2017: New Post: "River Deep, Mountain High" || Aber Falls, North Wales.Click HERE to read! A jam packed blog post bursting with photos of our day trip. I'd appreciate a scroll!

29/05/2017: I'm craving a halloumi and salad wrap with all the fried sides. Sadly I'm being healthy and sticking to the salad part. Sad face.

30/05/2017: It's time to embrace my inner Rory Gilmore and read more classics. I'm a sucker for things of the YA genre, rereads, and predictable mysteries. But alas, I want to have more of a gander into the realm of what us modern day humans class as classics (say that 10 times fast). Do you have any recommendations?

31/05/2017: The highlight of my month has most certainly been gaining sight. If you know me personally, you'd of likely been nagging me for a few months to get an updated eye-test. So, voila! No longer am I the squinty girl. My sight has rapidly deteriorated, but lets ignore that and appreciate the pretty frames instead. And can we take a moment to appreciate the Specsavers 2 for 1 deal? 

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So there we have it, May in a photo-themed nutshell. I semi failed last months goal of taking more photos on the day of uploading, so I'll just carry it through to June. This time next month, I'll be in California with the man I love and likely complaining about the weather. You know what they say, you can take the Brit out of Britain but you.... You know the rest. Wait, they don't say that? Awks. 

Wising you a good June! 

- Anne x