Slow down approaching 30

Life Changes

2011-07-10T22:53:00.000+01:00

So June came and went and if I'm quite honest, looking back at it now, it is all a bit of a blur. Unfortunately, it wasn't a blur a happiness, but a blur of sadness. I split up with my boyfriend of nearly 5 years, it was his decision not mine and the last 4 weeks have been the toughest I have ever experienced.

He was my best friend and now my flat that we shared together no longer feels like home....I'm going through so many emotions and questioning how and why this happened but the biggest issue for me is, how do I now adjust to a life path that I didn't expect to be following.

Thank goodness though for friends and family, I really do have the best and without their support I'm not sure how I would have made it through those early dark days. Your family are there for you no matter what and through their experience guide you through the highs and the lows of life. My friends have been heroic and are helping me through the tears with hugs, advice and attempted moments of hilarity.

My younger brother gave me the best advice though, he told me to do all the things I have ever wanted to do but was held back from whilst in my relationship or just too lazy to do, because life takes over in other ways. So on that note, I signed up for a 10k race in September, the race is in Swansea, where I graduated from University 10 years ago. I also took my first Bikram Yoga class today, if you haven't tried it, then I recommend it. The list will grow.... I just need to work it out!

Apologies for the miserable nature of the post, I guess it just goes to show that sometimes life isn't 100% rosy. But as I endlessly say to friends, everything happens for a reason!

xxx

What's life without condiments?

2011-05-15T22:47:00.000+01:00

Given that I'm meant to be on "project glasto skinny", this weekend didn't actually go quite to plan! Unfortunately, there is only so long a girl can survive on M&S count on us ready meals, and given that I have a BF that doesn't understand the concept of dieting, it was unlikely that I was going to survive the weekend, without some sort of unhealthiness!

We hit Soho in the constant quest for a decent burger in the UK, and came across Byron Hamburgers and they really hit the spot, just the right amount of meat vs greasiness! I loved the simplicity of the menu, there was no messin', just 6 types of burgers to chose from, including one for our veggie sisters and the classic required sides of fries, coleslaw & onion rings. Tom Byng the owner has done his upmost the channel the classic American diner, the food was more than a match to my favourite burger spot in NY Corner Bistro and I loved the decor, classic booths, exposed brickwork and some amazing light installations.

After filling our faces with food, I hit the shops to search for some glasto outfits, which are all weather permitting of course! Found a great midi dress in Vero Modo, which is a store I'd not been into before - I was impressed and loved the dressing rooms! Which given the pathetic standard you get in some stores (i'm not naming names Zara) is something I always judge a shopping experience on!

Also picked up a great Pradaesque banana print sun dress in H&M, so let's keep our fingers crossed that the sun shines in glasto and I stick so my diet so I can prance about the Somerset fields, safe in the knowledge I won't be taking anyone out with my bingo wings!

Have a lovely week! xxx

A Royal April

2011-05-01T10:56:00.000+01:00

Hasn't April been amazing! I think the two, four day weekends should happen every year, especially if the weather can be guaranteed. Throw in a Royal Wedding and hey presto, that's some country boosting moral you have there!

I've become newly obsessed with Instagram for taking pictures with my iphone, it's so addictive and inspirational. You can find me on 30slowdown if you want to follow! So despite owning a vastly expensive camera, my snaps below are all from my iphone!

For Easter O and I headed to Wales and had a great time, we even squeezed in a BBQ and trip to my favorite beach in the world. There is just something so peaceful about being by the sea, I adore the tranquility and it was great to be there in the sunshine. On Easter Sunday, after an intense sunday lunch we went for a walk in a beautiful park near my parents house. Cefn Onn Park was always our fave park as kids, it always had lots of streams and great places for hiding in to play mob, but over Easter it was covered in Bluebells and looked like a woodland retreat ready for a performance of As you like it.

I wasn't clever enough to book the time off between Easter and the Royal Wedding, but loved the build up that you could see in London. Regent Street looked amazing and best Royal Wedding windows can be awarded to Louis Vuitton who had windows full of amazing waving Queens!

Then there was the wedding, what more can I say, Kate looked beautiful, William dashing and the whole day was a stunning display of why Britain is great! I found this gif on Audrey Kitching. I love it and it just makes me smile - I wish them every happiness.

Enjoy the rest of the bank holiday weekend! xx

Object of desire

2011-04-12T22:44:00.001+01:00

OMG... just a little bit obsessed with these. ASOS - I love thee.

Meanwhile... I keep meaning to find the time to post, but a little recap of the last 2 weeks. Spent some crazy time in Basel at the Baselworld jewellery and watch fair, turned 31, went to Paris for a photography tour of the Marais, cashed in on some me time at the cowshed spa at Shoreditch house and I ended the weekend just gone at a roller disco in Wigan! One of these days, I'll become a better blogger and actually post about these experiences. If anyone finds some spare hours in the day, throw them my way!

Snow Days

2011-03-19T23:56:00.000Z

This time last week I was channeling my inner snow bunny on the slopes in Les Arc. Had such a great time and honestly felt the world was about the end when I arrived back in London and was sat in traffic in Victoria on Thursday morning. I feel like this after every holiday...I just want to jack in normal life and travel the world! Hmmmm unless I win the lottery, that ain't gonna happen!

Anyways... he's a few sun drenched pics of the snow! Enjoy the rest of the weekend - doesn't it feel like spring has finally sprung!?

2011-03-06T21:49:00.000Z

You know the drill, you spot an image on your fave streetstyle blog of one of the uber cool fashion editors strolling around NY/London/Milan/Paris dressed in clothes that you can only dream of owning....then you crash back to reality with a hard bump when you realise that it is not justifiable to spend a months salary on one piece of clothing.

But that's the best thing about these fashion houses! They know there are people like me that crave that little entry price point, that first rung on the ladder of the brands identity and that's why they created perfume/make-up and best of all sunglasses! Now I really can pretend i'm a fashion editor!

I first spotted Giovanna Battaglia wearing her red leopard print glasses on JAK & JIL and then she tortured me again on Garance's blog, then low and behold on the back of today's fabulous Sunday Times Style section, there is the below image of Naomi Campbell sporting them! Thankfully, she's advertising them on behalf of Dolce Gabbana for their new Animalier Collection and I for one want a pair ASAP!

Have a lovely week! I only have 5 days in work until i'm off skiing!

xxx

I &hearts New York

2011-02-26T23:17:00.000Z

Thought I might as well at least try and sneak in at least one post into February! I am still alive (just)!

This past week saw me totally unexpectedly in New York City.... yes my job sucks sometimes, but it also gives me great opportunities to visit my favorite place in the world! Unfortunately my days were consumed with work, but whilst doing some late night shopping in the NY version of superdrug (Duane Reade) I came across the fact that OPI and Essie are a veritable bargain compared to the UK. Queue me spending the next 15 mins trying to narrow down my choices down to 4 bottles, with the aim being to at least limit my spend to under $50!

Unfortunately, there was no room for my camera, so Iphone and hipstamaticapp had to cover me! So I at least managed to sneak in a few pics! I lived in New York for a year straight from university, and like to think i'm a bit of a local... (we are talking nearly 10 years ago) but I still get super excited about the cliche New York sights and sounds! What can be more exciting than waking up to a view of the Brooklyn Bridge, then a short walk up Broadway to the office! It beats the Victoria line commute hands down...

Thankfully, I have a super exciting holiday planned for NYC in August with the boy and friends! Roll on summer! New York I still love you and you're not driving me mad!

XXX

It's snow fun anymore!

2011-01-12T23:19:00.000Z

I'm having one of those weeks that can only be classed as total pants! But as in order to get me through the next 2 months, I'm trying to focus on the fun things in life! Steph at walkthesand has done a great post today about 10 things that she is loving about 2011! That's the kinda positivity I need in my life right now and as I'm sure you'll agree, a little bit of sunshine can get you a long way! So what great news to come home to this evening to find out that I'm booked with my family to go on a little mini skiing break in March! Only 8 weeks this Saturday in fact...! So what better to get me in the snowy mood than some of the pictures I took from December, when we all lived in a Winter wonderland.

Saturday Muchies

2011-01-09T18:25:00.001Z

According to The Evening Standard there is a new London quest for the search for the perfect sandwich so yesterday O and I took a trip to Borough Market on Saturday with the aim to track down the holy grail in toasted cheese sandwich.... Unfortunately, there was just too much temptation and my belly got the better of me! So we crumbled and went to The Guildable Manor for some slap up spicy lamb sandwiches, and jeez they really filled a corner! But I'm already plotting our return, because the humble sandwich really is the greatest meal ever!

Have a great week!

Watcha 2011!

2011-01-06T23:20:00.000Z

So how many New Year Resolutions have you broken so far!? I'm doing ok with the usual "healthy eating" and "my body is a temple" goals but I'm guessing the test will be whether I say no to the Friday afternoon glass of white wine in the office...

However, I have planned a few other resolutions, and I'm hoping that my publishing them here will chivvy me into actually achieving them! Rather than blandly typing them out, I treated myself to this rather lovely notebook from paperchase (how can you not go into that shop without splurging on something?) and put pen to paper and came up with 5 missions for 2011! Here's to making them work and sharing them on the blog... as that's something I really want to spend more time on too!

What are your little missions for 2011?

Hola! It's party time!

2010-12-28T22:27:00.002Z

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas - I had a great time and loved being back with my family!

However, I think it's sign of age.... or just the realisation that New Years Eve is actually better spent at a house party, rather than in some overpriced bar! So, this year I've decided to be the hostess with the mostest, and will be throwing a little soiree for my nearest and dearest! I'm always one for a themed party and thought what better way to banish the winter blues by going for a Mexican theme! So whilst I sink another turkey sandwich, am putting my google skills to good use, by researching all things Mexicana

It's always a fine line between kitsch and classy isn't it for a Mexican themed party, but how cool is this illustration taken from theydrawandcook? The artist is Gennine Zlatkis and her beautiful blog is full of wonderful colours! I think my party inspiration starts right here!

Image from here

Totally Enchanting...

2010-12-12T22:50:00.001Z

Are you feeling festive yet? I think I need a viewing of Love Actually whilst making mince pies and then I can officially call it Christmas!

Today to escape some of the Christmas shopping madness, I went to Kensington Palace to visit their enchanted palace exhibition and a little bit of me melted! The curators have created something incredibly beautiful and magical and it truly allows us to be introduced to the history of the palace and it's inhabitants in a really unique and special way.

As soon as you walk into the first room you are hit with a sucker punch of sadness, what can be more emotional that a dressing table full of antique bottles used to collect the tears of Princess Mary after suffering from numerous miscarriages.

Photo from here

The rest of the rooms were all themed around seven other Princesses that lived at some stage in the palace, and the stunning rooms are enhanced with amazing fashion and art installations along with some fabulous performance artists that really bring the palace to life! We all had a giggle when one of the artists offered for my friend Claire to sit on a thrown and asked for her to speak her greatest wish, the palace courtiers then shouted her wish across the palace for all to hear! Then a few rooms later we came across a beautiful type-writer and the notes stated that their was a visit from Princess Claire and again her wish was noted for all to see!

As you can probably tell, I really can't speak more highly of the place and I wish I had more photos to share, but unfortunately the exhibit restricts photography and it was stressful enough trying to sneak these photos! We ended the day with a glass of champagne and afternoon tea in the orrangery! How very regal!

Have a great week!

xxx

Wish you were here!

2010-12-01T22:50:00.001Z

Wow! All I can say is, thank the lord I'm not in Berlin now! Today's temperature in Berlin during the day was -7c! Not exactly walking tour temp is it? Makes me feel like my experience of Berlin was positively tropical....

We had a great time in Berlin, even though I just wanted to hang out in Soho House all the time! I created a google map to keep a track of all the places we visited and wanted to visit - so I've got everything saved for next time!

Being a bit of a history and politics geek (I did my degree in Economics and Politics), I was really excited to see the historical side of the city and one of the most interesting tours we did was of underground bunkers from WW2 and the Cold War. The tours were run by berliner-unterwelten and I cannot recommend them enough, the tour was engaging, fascinating and really gave you a massive understanding of what it was like in Berlin during the Wars.

We also did a walking tour and it was also a great way of learning how the various administrations of the city have impacted it in so many ways...our guide was fantastic and I'm now a big believer of being a bit of tourist geek and going on these tours! They really allow you to learn all the important facts of the place you are visiting and also mean you don't walk around the tourist sites without learning the important facts. Best of all, you then have more time for investigating the bars, cafes and restaurants!

Here are some pics!

O walking through the Holocaust Memorial.

The memorial was amazing, every stone was a different height and angle and even the floor tilted.

The Christmas Market food stalls were stunning

I loved the U-Bahn - the image of the Brandenburg Gate was on every train and the gate is seen as a sign of freedom for the city.

You can't go to Germany and not eat sausages! In fact we ate them twice, who knew that chopped sausage, curry powder and tommy k could be so delicious!?

This was an artist commune in an old department store in the old Jewish quarter. There was so much street art and I believe in summer there are loads of outdoor bars, so you can enjoy a German beer and some great art.

What every style blogger needs...a sense of humour!

2010-11-29T22:01:00.000Z

How much fun is this!? Found on refinery29 and I had to have a giggle! Think my fave part is the bit about having a boyfriend with a camera, my boyfriend is getting seriously tired of me requesting him to take pictures! His usual comment is "you don't get involved with my hobby (call of duty... blah blah blah) so why should I get involved with yours! Ha Ha! Nothing like a bit of relationships support is there.... so I have asked for a tripod for Christmas! I do however want to clarify one thing and you can rest safe in the knowledge - you won't catch me in a cage skirt....!?

Thanks refinery29 for making me smile!

xxx

Berlin Baby!

2010-11-28T23:16:00.001Z

I've been meaning to post since I got back from Berlin last Tuesday but I really do wonder where time actually goes! I have the up most respect for all you bloggers that somehow manage to work/study and blog!

Anyway...back to Berlin! What an amazing place! I was hooked as soon as we arrived... I was a bit nervous of my return to Germany.... a rather depressing school exchange trip was experienced aged 14 and I was keeping everything crossed this was going to be a major success!

As a treat for our 4 year anniversary we decided to lux up and booked into Soho House Berlin. I've spent every day since we got back wishing I was still there, everything about it was just way too cool for school! The place was just oozing style, starting from the ping pong tables in the club entrance right through to the stunning art deco bar on the top floor, that served us perfect cocktails as we watched the lights of the city twinkle away! I was itching to get my camera out, but as the the house is a members only, they respectfully ask you to not take any photographs in the club... so disappointingly the only picture I managed to take was of our our beautiful room!

I've always kinda scorned people that up load their hotel room snaps on Facebook but I was just way to excited about this hotel to care.. The room was just too perfect, from the beautiful antique furniture, the Roberts Radio that was playing jazz as we walked into the room and and the wonderful vintage record player, you felt like you had touched down into some stunning parallel universe! And the bed... well there are no words to describe that bed!

The hotel was a former department store in the Mitte neighborhood of Berlin and during the Cold War was occupied by the Communists until reunification, where it was handed back to the original owners. The Soho House team have done a fantastic job in refurbing the building and creating a wonderfully stylish environment that creates a really buzzy but laid back vibe!

Image of the club from Soho House Berlin

Image of the lobby from Soho House Berlin

I'm going to try and post later this week about what we got up to, but if you get the chance to go to Berlin I can't recommend the hotel highly enough and I can't wait to go back again some day! I'm now on the hunt to become a member in London!

Have a great a week! My mission is to try and keep warm!

xxx

2010-11-14T23:13:00.002Z

I'm having Sunday night Downton Abbey withdrawal systems! Did you watch it...? It was the perfect escape for a Sunday evening. I loved settling into their Edwardian world, admiring the spectacular outfits and watching the characters relationships develop! Unfortunately, "I'm a celeb hasn't quite cut it this evening! From the sublime to the ridiculous....

So in honour of all the lovely ladies of Downton Abbey I treated myself to this beautiful hairband from H&M, and I wore it last night! Unfortunately, I didn't feast on an Edwardian banquet, but instead O and I went for a warming meal at Tagine in Balham and then we hit the pool table to re-create our first date! He beat me convincingly 3 - 0.... so either, he's a pool shark or I'm totally useless! However, because I let him win, I thought it was only fair he took my photo and I let him have a staring roll in it!

Up until this time last year my hair was a lot shorter and I'm loving the fact that with a little extra hair there are more and more options to style things up a little! I'm thinking of trying to back-comb my hair into a 60's bob style and try out the hairband again... any backcombing tips!? I worried that I'll probably end up like a scarecrow!

Have a great week! I'm on countdown - O and I are off to Berlin next weekend! Uber excited to say the least!

xxx

Diamond Days

2010-10-31T18:29:00.001Z

Whilst everyone else was preparing for their Halloween parties, O and I were getting glammed up in deepest Surrey for his Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary Party!

After spending numerous weeks sat on my sofa on a Saturday night indulging in reality TV marathons, I was mildly excited to max up the eyeliner and apply a bit of lippy and I had fully intended to try and get a few outfit shots! However, the free flowing champagne got the better of me and I have to say by the end of the night I certainly looked a bit of a Halloween fright! So I leave you with a few indulgent shots of the delicious food we scoffed, the amazing Cake that O's sister made and a lovely picture of O's sweet Grandparents - they are real diamonds!

It's all about bucks, kid. The rest is conversation.

2010-10-24T22:03:00.003+01:00

Wow! What a couple of weeks! It's been on the hectic side to say the least.... So this weekend was all about putting my feet-up and chilling out. I was so exhausted last night that I fell asleep during x-factor, not a good thing to be asleep at 9pm on a Saturday night is it?

Today, after a lunch date with Gordon Geckko and a rather large bag of popcorn I headed home, put the kettle on and settled down with a homemade banana muffin! Sunday afternoon bliss....

Autumn Sunshine

2010-10-10T19:16:00.001+01:00

Wow! So much sun eh!? It's been one of those beautiful autumnal Sundays...and after scoffing a huge roast dinner at The Florence in Herne Hill, O and I tried to walk of some off the calories in the park! In fact this weekend feels like one long food induced haze surrounded by a sea of reality TV! I think Anne Widdecombe dancing on Strictly has been my TV moment of the year! And what about X-Factor...who's your fave?

Jean shorts & top: H&M

Ring and Pendant: Stephen Webster

Star Gazing

2010-10-06T22:52:00.001+01:00

On Monday I was one lucky lady! I took a lunch break... you have got to believe me, this minor detail is a point worth celebrating for me! So what does one do, when you have a spare 30 mins? That's right you guessed it... you pound the pavement to the shopping mecca that is Topshop at Oxford Circus!

Whilst lazing it up to the max on Sunday I spotted this little beauty on Topshop's website! I love the level of detail on the images that Tommy Ton shares on his blog, and i'm sure you agree it's those little finishing touches that can make or break an outfit! So without further ado, I headed straight to the jewellery area in topshop to hunt down the star cocktail ring!

Happy Happy Joy Joy they had plenty of stock and before you could say "diamonds are a girls best friend" I was stood in line ready to pay! I wore it today and couldn't be more pleased with it! I'm also really happy with the quality, I had always had this impression that the quality wasn't that great with Topshop jewellery, but it has a great weight and doesn't feel like it's only worth £12! Style and quality all in one hit!

(Image from here)

Saturday night takeaway

2010-10-04T11:32:00.001+01:00

On Saturday night O and I donned our glad rags and headed "Up West" for a night on the tiles! For his birthday, I had bravely booked us tickets to see Ghost Stories and given that horror is my least favourite genre of film, it's fair to say I was looking forward to it like a hole in the head! Thankfully, it was great fun and really gets the heart racing and if you get a chance to go, it's well worth it!

As we exited the theatre, it was raining cats and dogs and all thoughts of wondering up into Soho for food and drinks were over, so we rushed into Gerrard St and settled ourselves down for a slap up Chinese! After stuffing ourselves with too much rich, noodles and roast duck we were ready to be rolled home but the rain was still bucketing it down!

I was kicking myself that I didn't have my camera, Gerrard St looked like a film set, with the Chinese lanterns bobbing up and down in the rain, hundreds of people rushing about with their umbrellas and the neon signs of all the restaurants calling you into the safety of the indoors! Just for that moment as we dashed back to the tube in the grotty British rain, it felt like London was sharing the same buzzy energy that exists in Hong Kong!

Image from here

How the leopard got it spots!

2010-10-03T14:58:00.000+01:00

I'm seriously in love with these! Bets on them coming back into my size are probably slim to none, but I can dream yeah!?

(from here)

Calling all jewellery hunters

2010-09-28T22:50:00.000+01:00

This is a bit of shameless self plug, but I want shout it out across internet land! Plus who can resist such potential bargains...!?

Jurassic Park

2010-09-26T22:54:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, the boyfriend and I went exploring around Crystal Palace park and it was such a cool find, where else in London can you find a Dinosaur Land that has existed since 1854! Which I hasten to add was the first of it's kind in the world and the models even pre date Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species.

The park is huge and along with this beautiful outdoor stage there is even a maze, which I tried to persuade O to go in, but the large pack of Brownies shrieking in there put him off for some reason!

We stood under the arches that make up part of the palace remains, spookily only these arches and a wide expanse of steps that lead up to nowhere remain. It must have been a spectacular sight to have seen the palace in all it's glory!

I'm trying to train O to be my chief outfit photographer... but it's not his main focus in life and I'm thinking it may be time to invest in a tripod! Or I need to get more expressive with my direction!

Have a lovely week!

xxx

Follow my blog with bloglovin

2010-09-23T21:06:00.000+01:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin