Study Doodles

Best of Home (Chichester Part 1)

It's the little things in a city/town that really give that place a special place in your heart. Whether it's your favourite book store, the best places to shop, or your secret chill hangout, it's your private finds that everyday in the same city special to you.

However, most British high streets have become clones of each other and all feature generic shops that overtake the real charm of difference. (It's not all bad, having a Topshop nearly everywhere is quite cool). But, if you look hard enough, some untouched places are still there, standing proud for the little guy. (Whoo!)

Though I live in Bognor Regis (post coming soon) I spend most of my time in Chichester (Chi to the locals and only a 45min bus journey). So I thought I would compile a rough guide to what I think are the coolest places in good ol' Chi.


Pallent House Gallery

One of the leading modern art galleries in the UK, Pallent House isn't really a hidden gem, but Chi is proud to house some pretty awesome pieces from around the world, as well as featuring loads of tempary collections. This summer they have a stunning exhibition from Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera, which looks to good to miss. (there until 2nd of October). Definitely have a look if art orientated or just looking for a culture boost.

   
Kim's Book Store 

Probably, my favourite independent book store, with 2 crammed with books on every imaginable subject. (Half a self dedicated to feminism, normally have to travel to Brighton to get hold of any Fem Lit) It has that classic bookish smell, without being Granny's attic overpowering. Doubtlessly, more importantly, the staff are always really helpful and nice, which may not sound like a big deal, but in small book shops, it can easily ruin the atmosphere if the shop assistant is staring you down, or ignoring you when you have a question. Overall, great for a good read and chilled "vibe".

     

Protest Poem

Skinny model walk

Pass the girl a sandwich

Wait, look at her shoes 

7 Habits of a Highly Effective.......

My dad works on the cleaning staff at Harrisburg Middle School. Not really at the heart of the education system, but still an important part (and still able to sneak a look at some of the teachers planning) .While on the phone to my mum the other week, he asked if The 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Teen by Sean Covey was on my school reading list, because it was on the list for the students in America.In short, mum told me that I must read this book because it would change my ineffective teenage being (that's the point of being a teenager), and that it would  put me ahead of all my English counterparts.
To say that I was sceptical would be a minor understatement, however I was surprised. It wasn't preachy, and didn't make me feel like everything that I had done in my first 3 years of teenage develop had been wasted.
It shows you how to organise your time/schooling. but not in a way that turns you into a hermit. Finding the balance is a big part of the books message, if between, school, sport, relationships, anything really.
"Yes", I hear you cry, "but wasn't  this book written in the late 90's, before out lives were overtaken by tiny devices that implant themselves to our faces?!" True, but the majority of the book is a collection of stories from teens and about how they found balance in their lives. Real teens, telling real stories, about real experiences. These are still relevant today because, surprise, surprise, teenagers still face the same problems today, as they did almost 20 years ago. Hormones were still raging and puberty happens to us all (even you parents)
Honestly, give it a go, it isn't a cure all, but if anything, its an interesting read. What have you got to loose?     

New Project

My latest venture in GCSE Textiles is an interior product based on a developing culture. For one piece of coursework, we had to do a comparabilities shop. This meant going to 2 very different stores, picking out a product, and comparing them(pretty self explanatory task). We not only have to compare the product, but also the shopping experience. I chose an independent fashion and interior boutique in Brighton, and Ikea. I shall let you guess which I preferred. (Hint, not Ikea, but the food might have swayed).
PS: You have been warned, interior comparative shops get you a hell of a lot more funny looks then a fashion one, because with a fashion one, you can take the product with you into a changing room to get the photos, but with interior, your out there on your own, looking a bit of a numpty......and you might just get asked to leave....ahmmm

Thrifted! (Almost)

This is my first (almost) fully thrifted outfit!. I am just a little bit pleased with it too! Seems a little bit of a waste to wear it to work, though it seems befitting as I work in a charity shop. This full outfits cost £32.5 (the shoes are not, unfortunately). This is my goal this summer, to expand my wardrobe to hold more vintage/thrifted bits that not only make it more unique, but also more eco friendly. Win win!
xoxoxo

Social Networking Detox

I have been offline from Facebook for about 3 weeks now and surprisingly, I have not been social excluded from my friends and declared an outcast.
When I told my friends, some were shocked. One exclaimed in alarm, "How will I get hold of you?!". I was touched by her concern, but she does have my mobile number, I see her everyday at school, we talk on Skype, and she has my home phone number. (Yes, some people still use those.) Another friends seemed more bothered by the fact she lost a friend on Facebook. Thanks for the love Bromwen! 
Facebook has become the cornerstone of all interaction and I realised that it actually was a time sucking leech that was taking away from real socializing and my school work. 
Surprisingly, my life has not turned into that of a reclusive hermit, but is really better for the change. I am able to organise more outings with my mates, and make a start on the huge reading list I have to get through this summer.
So, does this mean that Facebook is not the be all and end all of communication? Mind. Blown. Taking this Facebook detox is healthy, spending hours stalking my ex is not. So why not try it this summer? What's the worst that can happen? Go on, I dare you!

Top 10 Doomed to Fail Romances

• Heathcliff and Cathy (Wuthering Heights)
• Romeo and Juliet
• Sonny and Cher 
• Max de Winters and ? (Rebecca by Daphene du Maurier)  
• Bella and Jacob (Twilight)
• Persephone and Hades 
• Mum and Dad
• Fire and Archer (Fire by Kristin Cashore)
• Russian Tsar Nicolas II and the Tsarina
• Marie Antionette and Lois XVI

Can you think of any more?