Just before christmas i joined my family for a road trip away to our favourite little town in the Austrian Alps for a week skiing. As you can probably recall we had a very mild December and so there was only a little snow to allow us to put our skis on. For that reason we split up our days and took many little trips around the surrounding areas to see some other sights. We were an hour from The Germany-Austria boarder and an hour and a half from Königssee so we decided to visit. I am so so glad we did, it was one of the most gorgeous sights i have seen in quite a while and its a shame we didn't have more time as i would have loved to trek the mountain trails or take a boat trip across the water (maybe next time!). The lake was as flat as glass and had a lovely deep blue hue to it that was absolutely dreamy. The sun was shining low through the trees illuminating the remaining leaves a lovely burnt orange. It really was a sight i have trouble describing. It was one of those places that makes the pit of your tummy tingle with happiness and was truly breathtaking to me. I hope these photographs do this wonderful place justice and that maybe it gives you some inspiration to visit. Bavaria really is a stunning part of Germany and there are many places there that make my eyes shine with inspiration.

My beautiful mum & I


A couple of weeks ago I took a trip to the lovely city of Paris with my Nana (my mums mum) to explore galleries and exhibits. We're both Art fanatics in our own right, my Nana a painter and myself a photographer. We had the pleasure of visiting the Lourve, Palais De Tokyo, the Sacre-Coeur, Artist quarters and Paris Photo. The trip was lovely and I really enjoyed myself so I wanted to share some snaps from my iPhone.

When I look back I like to look back on the first two days as unfortunaly we were there when the awful Paris events unfolded, out of respect I felt I couldn't post photographs of the great time we had straight away as i wanted to respect the families who's loved ones didn't make it back from their holidays and night out without a scratch like I did. I also had my brand new iPhone stolen (thank goodness for iCloud and VSCO sync) on my way back to the airport by an awful human being who was still pinching people's possessions while many were in sorrow. I had to file a police report with an interpretator in between all of the caos that was happening around me and found myself (don't read the rest of this sentence if you're squeamish) spewing into a bag in a bus full of people; a mix of stress, the flu and travel sickness. I didn't get back until midnight as our flight was delayed at Gatwick due to the threat in the airport at home too. I had to remind myself that no matter the burden I was alive and well, a humbling experience.

My last night, the Friday, and the Saturday going back to the airport really made me think about what is important to me and slightly changed my perspective. It really does make you realise how we should appreciate the little things like watching the Eiffel sparkle at around 10.15pm as 11 police cars wiz past while you're blissfully walking along the river by the Lourve. Like the phone calls and messages we received from loved ones who were concerned whilst I was walking back to the hotel' moments before moaning about the pains in my feet from the long day of walking (still unaware of everything unfolding around me).
I am Truly grateful for being in the right place at the right time, for the little things like falling asleep and waking up the next day. So I guess what I'm trying to say is love and live every moment. This trip taught me about Art and Culture, but also about my gratefulness and love for life. 

Another thing I noticed, the news stations on the telly were so focussed on the sorrow, on reporting that the streets were quiet and people were hiding back at home on that Saturday morning (before national mourning was announced). What I saw was something quite different, I saw strength, I saw people getting up and out on the streets showing those terrorisers out there that nothing they do can strike them down, I saw a United city with flags at half mast out of respect. Although these Parisians were most certainly worried (I would be and I was worried on that day) they never showed an ounce of weakness. Instead kindness, strength and the ability to go on and push through fear. Something that I completely respect. 

After Christmas I'll share the rest of the snaps from my short trip away, once I've shuffled through them. For this post I really wanted to talk about the trip separately as not to dampen the mood of the first two lovely days of the trip. It ended up as probably the worst weekend I've experienced but also a beautiful trip spending quality time with one of my relatives. 

It's kind of Bittersweet to look back on, or I guess the other way around if you think about it. This isn't a sad post but rather a reflection of thoughts, a bit like a diary entry and also a celebration of all the goodness that good people, smart people and things like art and architecture bring to make a city beautiful throughout terrible times. 

I hope you'll come back for my next Paris post, I'll be sharing all the things I loved and appreciated whilst there! 

Laura x




My second love after Photography is interior design and this week i was lucky enough to get invited to visit and meet the lovely staff in India Jane's flagship Chelsea store. I was blown away by this shop, not only because of all of the beautiful eclectic homewares that are inspired by classic pieces but also because of the shopping experience. 

 When you walk into the store its like walking into someones cozy home, with each nook and cranny you find yourself entering yet another well designed micro space covered in everything you need to inspire you. Almost like a real life Pinterest board. 

 Christmas is right around the corner, so the store was decked out in lots of christmas goodies and i couldn't help but take lots of photos and buy some little bird themed tree ornaments (i will be featuring these in my next blog post) for my rustic themed room. 

 The family owned company currently has 10 stores and a shop-able website online so i'd seriously go and check it out if you want to see many gorgeous items to tempt you to treat yourself or even a loved one!
























Because this little trip was a blogger event i couldn't resist posting a photo (courtesy of India Jane) with the lovely bloggers i met on the day, it was nice to meet you ladies! 


Laura x



Christmas is fast approaching and i still haven't done any of my gift shopping - where does the time go!? I'm having a girly afternoon shopping with my Mum on Monday to get the majority of the presents i'm planning to buy. So with that in mind i've been looking online for some 'giftsperation' and thought i would share some of my favourites in case anyone else is in the same boat as i am! 

 This post brings you 18 gift ideas (with links, yay) for those special women in your life. 
I've tried to cater for most budgets and personalities with the most expensive gift being £160 and the lowest price being £7.

 (Ahem so basically some of these gifts are things which i wouldn't mind receiving myself bar a few which i have already received previously & thought were great gifts.)

 Laura x

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 1. 2016 17-MONTH MEDIUM AGENDA from Kate Spade - £25

 2. Glazed Apple Treat Box  From The Body Shop - £8

 3. Check Scarf From H&M - £12.99

 4. Sweet Apple Candle From Yankee Candle - £19.99 (Large Jar)

 5. Humans of New York From UO - £20

 6. FC High Impact Lips From Boots - £12

 7. Rose Gold Frends Headphones Layla(small)/Taylor(Big) From Amazon - £121/£160

 8. Fujifilm Instax Share SP-1 printer from Amazon - £105.35

 9. Beige Valentino Tote Bag (large) from Tk Maxx - £39.99

 10. Festive Friends Giftset From Lush - £15

 11. Glitter Phone case for iPhone 6 from OU - £20

 12. Knitted Slippers From H&M - £8

 13. Lisa Angel Personalised Bar Necklace From Notonthehighstreet - £29

 14. Gold Monogram Mug From Anthropologie - £8

 15. Real Tenchniques Core collection brush set from TK Maxx - £17

 16. Reversable elephant print cushion From Primark - £7

 17. Floral Print ipad Mini Case From New Look - £13

 18. Soap & Glory belle of the ball GIFTset from Boots - £12

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'Carnival for Souls' is a lifestyle blog run by a 21 year old photo taker Laura-Amy who loves pretty things, style & exploring new places.

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