DAILY DECEMBER #27 // Places I've been in 2014

2014 has been one of those years where I've been lucky enough to travel to and visit some amazing places, both in the UK and abroad, so I wanted to put together a post so I could look back on the experiences and the memories I've had. Some of these places I visited with people who are no longer a part of my life, but that doesn't mean I won't look at the times we shared in a positive way and recognise how grateful I am. Scroll down for pictures!

Krakow // This was the first place I visited this year, and if you know me at all then you'll know it is my dream to move here; I've been twice and I'm going back with my mum next year. The city itself is beautiful, with architecture from a range of eras and rich, diverse history. It's fast becoming one of those tourist destinations which is popular with stag groups, which breaks my heart a little bit but I'll never stop loving the city, and hopefully one day that's where I'll be running my blog from!

Brussels // I was lucky enough to go to Brussels as part of my university course, to visit the EU parliament amongst other places. We stayed in the part of the city which has all the posh shops - I could see Tiffany & Co from the hotel. *cries* But we also visited the Grand Place, which is probably what you will have seen if you've seen photos of Brussels, and it is just beautiful.

Marbella // I went here on holiday this summer, and although I was pretty poorly the whole time, it was still a nice break. I don't think I'd go back, but it was nice while I was there. We went to a fantastic safari zoo place, and I got to cuddle a baby goat. Now I want one. Thanks, Spain.

Amsterdam // Ohhhh Amsterdam. I went here with a few friends this Summer after I found a Living Social deal for £40 each - we did have to get an overnight ferry there and back, but I don't get sea sick and there was plenty of entertainment, so I didn't mind. Amsterdam itself is a gorgeous city; unfortunately we were only there for a few hours, so I didn't get to do the things I wanted to like visiting the Anne Frank museum, but it was still a good day, and it's not as expensive as I expected it to be!

Richmond, Yorkshire // I took a day trip here over Easter and absolutely fell in love, if I was to move anywhere in England I think it would be here. It has about 4 streets, a tiny book shop and a castle. It's true when they say some of the most gorgeous views are right here in England.

Newcastle // I couldn't not throw this in even though it's a funny one, I've supported Newcastle since I was tiny (don't ask why, given that I'm from near Liverpool...) and I finally got the chance to visit St James' Park - not for a match, which I still kick myself about, but I could see the pitch through a gate that I definitely wasn't supposed to be stood at, so I'm still happy!

The Bulldog, Amsterdam

The old town in Marbella

St James' Park

Krakow, Poland

Richmond, UK

Brussels, Belgium (a piss-take photo!)

I've been so lucky this year to tick some places off my to-visit list! If you've been anywhere nice this year and blogged about it, leave a link in the comments or tweet me (@katygilroyblog) - I'd love to read all about it. Hope you all had a smashing Christmas x

5 Photos That Make Me Smile // Tag

This 'tag' has been floating around Facebook for the past few days, and it makes a change from everyone moaning all the time (myself included)... I saw the lovely Kirstie from The Yellow Brick Blog post about it over on her blog, and thought I'd follow suit!

All you have to do is post 5 photos which make you smile, and bob's your uncle...

1 // This is me and my god-sister, who is also my best friend in the entire universe. We've stuck by each other through everything and I know she'll always be there if I need a good telling off or a shoulder to cry on. Also, I think I've perfected the pout in this photo.

2 // Smurf night was my favourite night of my first year during uni; there's just something about a mass of people dressed head to know in blue and wearing silly hats, drinking cocktails and having a good time.

3 // I love this photo of me and my parents. We're on the back of a boat out on a river in Turkey, and I can remember the breeze and how for every serious photo we took, there was a silly one too. Holidays are just so wonderful.

4 // My grandad is my absolute hero and since he passed away 3 years ago, this photo has meant an extraordinary amount to me. This was taken during our last ever holiday, when we visited Abersoch in Wales at Easter time. He was just such a funny and caring man which I know is cliché to say, but my parents always tell this story about he once cried because there was nothing he could do to soothe my eczema. That's a good human right there.

5 // Halloween 2014 was one of the best night's ever - not actual Halloween (that was actually pretty awful) but the Wednesday of that week, when all the sports teams & university societies went out in scary fancy dress. My friends from badminton are some of the nicest people I've ever met and even though I've known them for a tiny amount of time, I love them to bits!

6 // Okay so I cheated and I've put six photos in because I just couldn't choose. There's a million more I'd add in too if I could! But I just absolutely had to include a picture of Krakow: my favourite city in the world. Even in cold and drizzly weather it's beautiful. This photo was taken on my second trip there, and I cannot wait to go back.

Let me know over on Twitter @katygilroyblog if you do this tag!