Tuesday 29 May 2012

People watching.

Apparently summer is here. Even though we haven't passed 30oC the nation is lobster red sunburnt. 
Obviously I'm jealous that I haven't even squeezed out a new freckle. The weather also makes everyone half naked, which is fine if you're as sweet as cherry pie but the rest of you scarcely prepared apes need to buff, scrub, shave, wax, pluck, lather, moisturise and polish yourselves up if you're going to strip off. Don't get me wrong, I know nobody is perfect. I have hobbit feet. Fat arms. I'm very prone to acne. I'm addicted to butter cream icing. But I present myself in a way that isn't horrendous to look at. I scrub my feet and paint my nails. I keep my arms covered if I can. I use spot targeting facewash at least once a day and I wash my make up brushes regularly. I stay away from bakeries. 

I have seen too many atrocities this season. Feet that need a hot soak, a pumice stone, moisturiser and a pedicure. People who are more addicted to food than I am, flashing their corned beef legs and triple fold paunch as if they were Gisele. Those boob tubes that large breasted women think look good. Sweaty, hairy and sunburnt topless men and not the good kind, I mean scary ones. It makes me so sad. I know, don't judge lest ye be judged. But come on, spare us a little revulsion at least.

I mean this morning on my commute I was minding my own business (secretly checking you all out and sizing you all up), when one of my neighbours crossed her legs in her pencil skirt and peep toe kitten heels. Who can blame her, uncomfortable body language on public transport, all hot and bothered and awkward. Understandably wearing peep toes, it was sunny out and boiling squashed in like we were. But then I saw her feet. Oh deary, deary me! Now, I'm not a girly girl. I didn't own, or infact ever use hair straighteners until I was 20 years old, I used to paint my nails as a kid, but the countryside didn't seem like much to glam up for and the people I cared about said I looked prettier without make up. It's only recently that I have struck up an interest in beauty and it's more of a hobby than necessity. I'm still pretty clueless. So imagine how unkempt her talons must have been for little me to recoil in horror. This lady didn't need a pedicure, she needed extensive feet therapy rehab! I felt so bad for this young lady. How stressful and tortured must her life be for her to overlook this? I wanted to ask her if I could take anything off her hands, give her some free time just to restore her birthright - a pampering session. 
But I didn't. Because that's rude. 

For now people of Britain - NO! The world! I beg of you, spare a thought for those of us who have to live with you. I'll try to do the same. 

xoxo



Gisele BΓΌndchen - Versace SS12 campaign.

Sunday 27 May 2012

Shannon's big night out.

Last night we went out for drinks and silly times for Shannon's leaving do. It all got very messy near the end but it was such a laugh! Thank you to everyone who came, I think she had a great time. Today has definitely been all about movies and lying on the sofa. My feet are still on fire after wearing heels for eight hours. Ouchie! xoxo







Friday 25 May 2012

Shopping!

Wahey! Shopping! It's been a long time. In all honesty, it wasn't as amazing as I remember. But getting home and trying on my pretty things made it better. The crowds of people were slightly annoying though. And the walking! I walked across town a few times so I'm knackered! Here's my haul...



'Reborn' earrings from Newlook.



Dip hem skirt from Newlook.




Cross tshirt from Newlook.



Suede sling backs from Next.



Chiffon blouse with pearl collar from H&M.


So, all tired from my spree and feeling alone, I'm called out for a cheeky Starbucks. I feel like a criminal! I had CAKE! Wahh! It was so naughty, but it felt amazing at the time. WHOOPS. Lovely to have a girly catch up. xoxo


Wednesday 23 May 2012

New food.

All I had to do was rewire my brain. Food is fuel. Food is fun.
These photos show my new snack options.
An enormous improvement of bread, crisps and chocolate... a couple of times a day.


Black coffee. Pumpkin seed ryvita crackers with low fat cream cheese, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.


Grapes and dried fruits with walnuts.

I'm so easily pleased.
Mam bought me these adorable snack boxes from Paperchase which are perfect for lunch at work! Sadly I don't think they sell them anymore, so sorry if you're all lusting for a set of your own.

What meals are you excited about lately?
xoxo

Saturday 19 May 2012

Working Weekend.

So today was quite a busy one. Working in retail, you expect the chaos on weekends. I prepared myself with a grande americano. While standing in the queue I noticed the "Pick Of The Week" cards on the counter. I think whoever is picking these books and songs must have the same taste because they always catch my eye. Disney. Emeli Sande. Today, it's a song by She & Him, called Why Do You Let Me Stay Here. It's Zooey Deschanel (squeel! my fave!) and her music partner M. Ward. I've enjoyed their albums all the while thinking nobody else cared about them! Obviously somebody does. Go on, give 'em a search on the old Youtube whatchamajig.


My beautiful Shannon left work today, I know two in a week! I'm mortified, as Shannon and I started work together in the same week back in 2008. We're off out for a night on the tiles next weekend but before the fun begins we had an emotional moment as we said goodbye in work for the last time. I bought her a stunning red velvet cupcake from a gorgeous little 'cupcakery' in Cardiff, it's called Sugarswirlz and you can find it near New Look and Millie's Cookie's in Queen's Arcade (here's a link to their website). They're a little pricey for an everyday treat, but a present for a friend for £2.20 isn't that much. No expense spared for my amazing Shamalam. She's reported back that it was incredible cake! I'm so sad she's left, she always cheered me up. xoxo

Friday 18 May 2012

Holiday Wardrobe.

All of this beautiful sunshine has propelled my mind six weeks into the future when we'll be in Paris. We've planned a day to visit the city of Reimes to go and see the Moet & Chandon champagne cellars. Then a day for a bike ride tour in Paris, sightseeing. We've got a whole day to relax in Paris, before a three day extravaganza in Disneyland. Here's a link to my Paris post.

Besides the delights of a trip to our continental neighbour, I have been daydreaming of holiday shopping. This time I want everything from Next. I spend an inordinate amount of time in there and if money grew on trees I could spend a fortune. Here's my inspiration for this seasons trends! Enjoy xoxo



yellow stripe dress £45 link
pastel wedges £45 link
mint side ruffle bag £32 link




coral belted broderie shirt dress £46 link
tan snap tote bag £32 link
floral wedges £38 link




navy floral blazer £34 link
lace insert dress £55 link
metallic rose ballerinas £20 link
elegant nude bag £32 link




sleeveless shirt £28 link
skinny trousers £26 link
mono beaded clutch £22 link
suede pointed kitten heels £36 link



orange ribbed ponte dress £35 link 
leather and suede colour block clutch £35 link
suede curved court wedge £48 link 




yellow slub sweater £20 link
broad stripe shorts £24 link
white/metallic tote bag £18 link
tan wedges £28 link




statement necklace £12 link
scarf print shirt £35 link
skinny jeans £24 link
colour block wedges £28 link




mint green mesh jumper £28 link
broderie blouse £28 link
neutral chinos £20 link
lilac suede ballerinas £30 link 



(Those of you who know me, will no doubt have seen me sporting a few of these already!)

Thursday 17 May 2012

Lizzie's Cupcakes.

Our beautiful Liz is leaving work and she made some beautiful cupcakes as a little goodbye. At first I was suspicious, was it enough to quell my fury over her leaving us? Then I saw them. Glistening. A sugary waft in the air. This girl can bake! They were so bloody lovely, so THANK YOU. Here they are, jaffa cake and strawberry. B-E-A-Utiful!


Liz has worked with us for years on and off, zipping off over various summers to enjoy her busy life, like travelling around the world, lucky thing. When people are looking for her in work I find her hard to describe... She always changes her hair, it's been dark, blonde and now it's a purposefully dyed rusty auburn. Even though the colour has stayed put for a while, she has a different hair style everyday, top knot, plaited fringe, sleek bob, big and tousled - holding on to some serious hair envy here. I have always struggled to look professional in the smart-casual dress code in our workplace, I should just drop the casual and stick to tailoring which of course crushes my creativity. I gorge my soul by feeding it adorable casual outfits, and I look smart in a suit dress, but this middle ground is a small torture. So of course, when cute little Lizzie twirls through the changing rooms with ease in outfits I have sometimes helped pick, I am so proud of how nice she looks. She always listens to me, no matter what jibberish I'm sprouting. Sometimes I think I'm the biggest fat head genius, just because the other five people in the room have never heard of what I'm talking about, but Liz humours me. Things like my beliefs on the Mayan 2012 phenomenon, or what other foods besides dairy provide calcium. I'm totally going to miss her happy face in work, she is always smiling. As sad as I am that she seems to be leaving for good to work for the National Health Service, this just means more effort will be made to meet up for cocktails. I'm so glad I met you Liz! Don't be a stranger. xoxo


Sunday 13 May 2012

Caerphilly Castle.

This morning I woke up to Boyfriend bounding around the bedroom, flinging the curtains open with reckless bravado. "We're going on an adventure!" he's saying with glee. I have to be honest, I was in the middle of enjoying my traditional Sunday lie in, which can go on until lunch time if I haven't got anything planned. None the less, Boyfriend being this cute is enough for my forgiveness. So after brunch (I have to call it that, because what else is breakfast at 11am?) I showered and dressed and we got in the car. It's a rare treat to have a beautiful sunny day in south Wales so we drove through the city with the roof down. As we pull of the dual carriageway following signs for Caerphilly, we eventually pull into the castle car park. It is a beautiful place, and it was only £4 entry each. It's surrounded by water and parks, full of wildlife. Inside there are towers with tall spiral staircases to run up and down. Exhibitions in rooms at the top. Tapestries. Shields boasting coats of arms. A lot of it has been restored, while whole sections lie in ruin. The views from the rooftops are stunning, enhanced by the sunshine and enveloping greenery. What a nice surprise today was. xoxo








Sunday 6 May 2012

Happy 21st Birthday Little Bro! :)

Happy 21st Birthday Jake! 
Can't believe my baby brother is now grown up. Awww. 
Muchos loves wham bam Jakey man xoxo

Jake after three days of fun!

The banoffee cheesecake Mam made from scratch!

Jake's birthday BBQ.

Friday 4 May 2012

Eyebrow Threading!

Today we went shopping for Jake's birthday presents, party food and the rest. Of course we couldn't help indulging ourselves in a few little luxuries. I've always wanted to try threading as the results are immaculate. So, after not plucking my eyebrows for over a week I headed to the Debenhams brow bar with gritted teeth. I was expecting a world of pain. I've never epilated, or waxed. So as I leaned back in the chair, palms sweating, the beautician began to cleanse my skin. I'm surprised to say I actually liked the odd ripping sensation. I'd describe it like velcro. Like pulling tough velcro apart. I'd do it again, I urge you all to try it if you haven't already. Let's lead the threading revolution! Okay, I'm a bit excited about it, but just look how neat and lovely my 'brows are! xoxo

Thursday 3 May 2012

Scumpy Willow and the Singing Kettle Cafe.

Today I met up with some of my lovely family for lunch. Being a veggie it's nice to find a good cafe in a city centre that isn't just going to offer me the sole option of a cheese sandwich. I took everyone to the Scrumpy Willow and Singing Kettle cafe on Clayton Street in Newcastle. I'd been once before for brunch and the food is just superb. Easy going, organic, simple ingredients, cooked to perfection, bursting with flavour. It isn't a vegetarian cafe though, you can still get a decent full English breakfast but boy do they have a phenomenal range of veggie dishes. Soup and main course of the day were both meat free. Other people had amazing fruit smoothies, but I opted for water, soup of the day which was leek and potato served with freshly made bread and falafels with pitta bread, hummous, natural yoghurt, leafy salad and tomato salsa. I was so full I had to loosen my belt! I'd recommend this super cute cafe to everyone. The staff were really accommodating, we actually broke a glass and our waitress was really nice about it (cue my red face and a million apologies!). A must for any hungry tourist, or infact resident of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Here's their website for more information - www.scrumpywillowandthesingingkettle.co.uk.