Life Update: Fourth year struggles, long-distance, and future travel plans

What? Leda posting on a Monday? I know- I find it hard to believe too!

I decided to post a little life update today because as you can see from my un-timeliness on the blog as of late, things have been getting pretty busy around these parts. Plus, between the travel and food posts, there's a real life going on behind the scenes! Just thought I'd remind you.

So here's the 411 on what I've been up to lately:

An Authentic Taste of Italy at Veeno, Quartermile

There are few things in life more comforting, or more deeply satisfying, than a nice glass of wine sipped alongside a lovingly prepared cheeseboard. In fact, this sounds like my ideal night in. But as far as my student budget can stretch, this usually means that I'm stuck buying a "slightly better than average" bottle of wine, and find myself deliberating over whether the hefty price tag of Tesco's Finest cheese is worth it.

But this weekend, I was able to live my continental fantasy when I was kindly invited to review a wine tasting at Veeno, the Italian wine cafe.

3 Little Decorations in My Room That Make Me Smile

I'm just about finished putting the final touches on my bedroom for this year. I know, I know- it's October. I should've already done this by now. But life, okay? Between traveling a lot and being busy with my course, putting up pictures and fairy lights has been the last thing on my mind. 

Despite my delays, I'm a firm believer that little decorations can make all the difference in making a space "homier." I'm lucky though, because a.) I've had the same bedroom at university for going on 3 years now and b.) My flat in Edinburgh already has quite a lot of charming character. But in any case, a room without personal touches isn't really a home. 

So today I wanted to share with you three little, low-key decorations in my room that bring personality to the space. 

My Teacup "Collection"

I say "collection" with a bit of hesitance. It's only three teacups. But, I'm hoping one day it will become a bigger collection. I wish I was more proactive in actually buying unique teacups, but I'm lucky enough that my mom has gifted me with these three special cups and saucers. 

An Autumn Afternoon in Greenwich

If you've been spying on my Instagram lately, you may have noticed that I've been spending a lot of time in London. That's because Ben moved down South for his job and, well, I have the more flexible schedule (#studentlife).

One of the best perks of Ben moving to London is that we both get to go out and play tourist every so often. It's like a mini-vacation from Edinburgh without traveling too far (or spending too much money). There's so much more to London than Big Ben and the London Eye. And while these landmarks are great, it's been fun to see what the London area has to offer beyond this.

Where to start? Enter Greenwich. Effortlessly charming, historically significant, and filled with quaint restaurants and cafes, it's the perfect place to spend an Autumn afternoon.

I'm Only An "Average" Runner, But Here's Why I Keep Going

Sports were never really my thing growing up.

I played soccer from when I was in Kindergarten up until the age of 11. I was never the star player, and my coaches only ever said I was "okay." Cue the participation trophies. Then, I tried out tennis for a while. I went through all the motions, struggled with a backhand, and finished off my summer classes not making much of an impression.

And then, running came into my life. I loved it- the thrill of racing, the sense of accomplishment I felt after going for a long run, the team spirit. It was the perfect sport for me- no balls or bats, just me, the pavement (or grass), and my own thoughts. I really felt I had found my place. And at first, I was pretty good at it. In fact, I was one of the best girls on the team in middle school.

Being "good" at running was, at times, my justification for doing it. I mean, I wasn't good at anything else, and enjoying it was just a bonus as far as I was concerned.

Participation!!