Style thoughts...

Here is more beautiful things I want, this is a bit of a wish list due to the sky high prices.. 

The fur jack is by far the wow piece and is French Connection.. I will most certainly be stroking it and admiring it in my local store!

1. Ede fur jacket £160 French Connection

2. Pastel baby blue sugarcube bag £75 Zatchels

3. Cat ring stand $20 Kate Spade

4. Ivette strappy sandals £595 Jimmy Choo at Flannels

5. Philosophy Di Lorenzo belt £355 Flannels

Autumn style inspo...

 I have tried to be good this year and save some money, but that doesn't mean I can't window shop and dream!

This is an absolute dream look for me, anyone who knows me, will know I'm obsessed with stars as I think they are so cute! I'm also a sucker for a shirt dress and a pop of colour...

Which leads me into the bag, a beautiful leather piece that will last a life time and is stunning Icey purple tone.

I probably don't need to explain why the boots are on the list.. Just heart eyes all round... The only sad thing is that the bags hardware doesn't match.. But i'll forgive it as its such a beautiful collection.. #wantwantwant

1. Lovechain Chelsea Boot £325.00 Russell & Bromley

2. Elspeth Wishing On A Star Shirt Dress £69.00 Sugarhill Brighton

3. Handmade leather twist lock shopper £110  Zatchels

Exploring my city..

So on my stroll home from work today I decided to do things a little different and take the scenic route home, shake things up by exploring something new..

Even after around 7 years living in this city,  I still find parts of it that take my breath away and help me realise just how lucky I am to live here. I think we are all very guilty at the moment of not spending time on mindfulness and taking time to slow down and take pleasure in the small things. 

It's very difficult to suddenly lose your liberties and with no end date in sight, it's time to work on finding the positives in anything we can. 

And it that means losing myself for a moment in the beauty of architecture and nature.. Then I'll take that as a win!

 

Retail therapy...

Been well over due a good shopping spree, and decided to spend my hard earned cash on some beautiful sparkly treasures..

I also went and purchased some vintage thrifted items from my fan charity shop and had a delicious baguette from Pret.

All in all it was a fabulous day!

They had some incredible things in Accessorize so I will share my highlights...

I mean is that not just THE most dreamy makeup bag? It's most certainly on my must buy list...

A classic Accessorize bag that I was drooling over...

I have about one million scarves.. And I still keep finding ones I need to add to my collection..

And finally,  I thought this was a very sweet print and a fab size to use inside a larger bag so that small things don't disappear forever inside! 😂

So.. 2020 huh?

 It's been an interesting free months since I last posted anything. This truly feels like the year that didn't happen..

Who could have predicted this when making their new year resolutions back in January?

I think during all of this, we have all really taken pleasure in the small things.. A stolen moment with a friend or family member (socially distant of course!) And taking time to be mindful and look after our own mental heath. Stepping back from busy lives and re-evaluating what we now find important and treasure. 

Sadly this isn't over, and mini lock downs are happening over the country and things need to get stricter again over the winter months.  

Stay safe everyone!

Quiet times...

So after all these weeks of lock down life, things are slowly starting to get back to a slightly more.. 'normal' way of life.

People are starting to go back to work, and the ristrictions are not quite so tough.. Although I still personally feel that I want to take it slow and not take any risks.

It feels rather strange to think..or imagine being in a massive crowd or a bar (Although I literally came wait to go out for dinners with my friends and family and support all these fab local restaurants/ pubs)!

I was very excited to socially distantly see my parents and enjoyed sitting in the sunshine for a short while.. it made things a little easier to bear, just have to hope we don't get a second wave!

What are you looking forward to? Or are currently enjoying?

30 things to have achieved by the age 30...

I really want to post about something a little more normal.. I got to day 5 of Corona diaries and just felt it was enough..


So here is a list of 30 things you want to have done by the age of 30:

1. An outfit that makes you feel invincible, you feel and act more confident when in an outfit that looks and feels good! Make sure you wear it regularly. 

2. A set of lingerie/ underwear that you would not be ashamed to be seen wearing.

3. A past thats exciting enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

4. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age —and some money set aside to help fund it so you can enjoy it!

5. A dream/ plan so big it scares you.

6. One friend who can always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry on their shoulder. 

7. A toolkit with a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill.

8. A pair of totally impractical shoes. (This is mostly aimed at women!).

9. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

10. The selfbelief that you are worthy of treating yourself with respect.

11. A skin-care regimen, spend a little time everyday keeping yourself looking smart. 

12. an exercise routine. Just 30 minutes a day will work wonders for your health. 

13. At least One recipe you cook well enough to impress the fussiest of guests.

14. A third space, a place outside your home to go just to think… where you can be completely alone with your thoughts.

15. Spending time everyday to look after your mental health and be mindful. 

16. The knowledge on how to break-up with a man or confront a friend without losing your temper or your self respect.

17. Learn about your families medical history, so you can take care of YOU!

18. The ability to live on your own or be comfortable in your own company and not be dependent on anyone.

19. The ability to let go of the hurts from your childhood and embrace the fact that your parents did the best they could.

20. A secret that makes you smile.

21. Memories that makes you cringe…. Because those memories were lessons that brought you to the point you're at now. 

22. A diary or journal full of your deepest thoughts.

23. A person you can call at 3am because you’re in a bind.

24. The knowledge of what you are willing to accept and what you are not in a relationship.

25. A piece of jewelry that has sentimental meaning.

26. An older woman in your life who embodies the traits you want to develop in your old age.

27. A spirituality that feeds your spirit and nourishes your soul.

28. The soundtrack to your life, that when you hear it on the radio you sing at the top of your lungs.

29. Someone or something you LOVE or are passionate about with your whole heart.

30. A life well travelled... A passport that is uptodateand ready to be stamped for the next adventure...

Isolation day 5:

So, it's nearly a week since watching the news at 20:30 and having that horrible realisation of this prison like status we have all gained. I totally understand the rational and agree it should work.. But that doesn't mean it's an enjoyable experience, but it is a worthy one. 

Today me and my housemate went out once to Tesco to pick up a few bits as we really haven't ventured far over this last week.. And it was strange, avoiding people and the quietness of the city.. At odds to what I know and expect from around here. Tesco were now only letting in one person per household into the shop, and interestingly it was often men going in out of the couple.. I waited outside myself as I didn't need much and my housemate wanted more groceries and would pick up my items for me. 

It was an odd feeling standing around outside the front of Tesco behind the queuing barrier, away from any potential crowds.. The gentleman acting as a bouncer had very little trouble from anyone, infact there was only one man who was unhappy about rule.. Everyone what accepted things. 

Whilst I waited a policeman darted in and out the store with a member of the stores security to check on some stolen goods.

After this it was a sombre walk home, noting many middle aged and up, still out and about and not heeding the 2 meter rule.. although some did say thank you if we made way for them!

Isolation day 4:

A much more.. normal feeling day.  I think ours because my housemate was free to hangout so we built Lego and had lunch and dinner together.

We had our daily walk and it was a nice enough day!

I had a good parcel dropped off at my door which was nice too.

Isolation day 3:

So, day 3..

Today wasn't so bad, I wasn't too anxious.. Although I ate like an absolute pig today!

Aside from that I was well behaved and woke up fairly early and made sure I posted my brothers birthday card. And had a lovely chat on the phone with my friend Meg. I had some trouble finding a post box that hadn't had it's last collection at 9am.. But fourth ones the charm it seems!

It was beautifully sunny and it helped my mood to be out in the middle of the day to get some exercise in.

I went to Waitrose for food shopping in the evening and was kindly gifted a bunch of daffodils by the kind cashier! This totally made my day,  so thanks very much!

I had a home made pizza for dinner, and at 8pm there was a huge round of applause going around the country for our fabulous NHS!

So a massive THANK YOU to them for working so hard through this tough time. xxx

Day 2 of isolation:

So... Day 2... I have felt anxious on and off all day as it can make you feel trapped inside, especially on these nice warm sunny days.

But after my one walk today, and actually getting out the house.. I have felt much better!

The walk was just through the park and to the river with my housemate and it just felt nice to be free for a bit!

After that it was about dinner, which is a big event when it's all that's breaking up the day.
I had Cajun prawn fish cakes and rice btw.

I watched Arrested Development after recommending it to a friend and realising I hadn't seen it myself in a hot minute.. It's ideal for this as it funny and absorbs you fully.

I also completed my second assignment for my business and administration course. So I'm pretty happy about that, and plan to start my third tomorrow..

Me and my housemate planned a few nice dinners that we are going to order in from some local establishments during the next few weeks, just to brighten our days!

Day one of isolation:

So much has changed in the world since I last posted on my blog.. I haven't been sure what to write or how to feel.

Last night, our Prime minister Boris Johnson called upon the United Kingdom to pull together and ... Isolate ourselves.. Which does sound strange when you write it down.. But it's exactly what we are now doing.

For the good of everyone, we are doing our best to stop the virus in its tracks (or at least slow it down until we can find a vaccine or at least have enough support for our hardworking and frankly heroic NHS!!).

I can't imagine a single person living here who doesn't see how important our free for all health care is.. It will be hell on earth for Americans who will only survive if they can afford it..

But enough political ranting. 

I have found today.. Surreal.. I spent last night feeling very anxious and concerned and did my best to switch off and get some rest.  After waking up late morning (why set an alarm at all?!) I spent the day cleaning my ensuite and working through my business administration course I'm completing online.
After 5pm my housemate whose been hard at work in his bedroom (Now office!) We went on our one and only trip outside today,  to get our ONE state sanctioned walk/ exercise.

I have already come to the conclusion that this one walk a day is going to be what keeps me going as I felt pretty rotten until I had my walk..

I felt anxious but aside from that I felt great to be out.. It slightly concerned me the amount of people out.. But then again they are just doing exactly what we were doing, and everyone kept a polite and comfortable distance between each other.

The only congregation were the homeless, who were 8 grouped together outside of Debenhams and the police slowed but didn't stop to talk to.

Apparently we are only allowed in small groups of households and limited to numbers entering the stores. I'm yet to need to go for shopping for anything as I am well stocked for now, and only see myself needing milk in the near future.

I guess the biggest issue has just been trying to get my head around the sheer scale.. or even the concept of this,  I was finally catching up on Fleabag (brilliant show btw.. and no spoilers as I'm yet to finish it!) And I'm there laughing, but something feels.. 'off' and once I let real life flood back in,  I feel weird again and confused and overwhelmed at the prospect of another 20 days of EVERYTHING paused. It's weird as normally you know the world is still going on exactly as you'd expect and any blip for you will soon be overwhelmed by normal life.. But that isn't so right now,  and that's just strange to me.

I will try to blog as much as I can through this as it will be interesting to see over time how my mentality towards this changes and hopefully I can look back on this.. and almost believe it happened.. because right now, it's still surreal and I keep expecting to wake up and find it's a dream.

I will end this with a couple of photos I took on my walk as I want to end this on a positive note!

Donut mind me!

So in the time between posts a brand new coffee and donut shop has opened in our shopping precinct ♡ And I have to say, the moment I spotted it being advertised... I was hooked! I mean who hasn't gone through a Krispy Kreme phase?

Well, this isn't actually Krispy Kreme, but a company that I hadn't heard of before called Corner Store Coffee which I believe was the first opened in the North West?

Regardless I made it my mission to pop in and give them a taste test...

Me and my friend picked different ones to try as they have a decent amount of choice that seems to change almost daily... So you have to be quick to grab your favourite. My choice was a Lotus biscuit flavour (which is my favourite!) And it's the one I recommend to EVERYONE. My friend ordered the Terrys chocolate orange and said it was fab.. So that's next on my list to try!

On that note! The coffee there is everything! I was VERY impressed with it as I'm not a huge drinker of it so it's rare it wows me... This was brilliant!

So all in all I would fully recommend a visit.. The decor is great and perfect for Instagram and the food and drink holds up, if you're local give it a try!

*NOT an AD even though it may sound like one, as I paid for this with my own money*

Wedding fun:

This weekend was an absolute blast!

My friend from primary school was getting married down in Wiltshire and I had to be there to help celebrate (party!)...

I stayed at my good friends house for the weekend and as always I had a brilliant time,  going out for sushi and catching up.

I had some mini drama whilst I was there.. And managed to entirely dye my hands black after colouring my friends hair.. I should say that I was an idiot and didn't use gloves.. It's literally taken up till today for the colour to actually come off!!

Aside from that, it was good fun! I got to meet some old friends and see how they were all getting on - fabulously!! And enjoy the good food and company that a wedding brings.

They had a photo booth which we HAD to go in and snap some pics in:

Overall it was a very short but sweet trip and I would love to pop down again soon to Wiltshire.

Me and my partner in crime have another wedding to attend in a couple of months and I reckon we will have a blast there too!

Beauty tag

Whilst I'm not addicted to buying makeup and other beauty products, I do own far more than I really need or can use..

I also want to be able to buy new pieces without feeling guilty that I already own so much. Because what's the point in buying another lipstick when I have a ton already that I hardly ever wear?!

I'm doing a low-buy year for 2020 and I am keen to work through as many of my products as possible and really pare down my collection to what I love and use on the daily. 

I spotted this beauty tag and thought it would be interesting to fill in now and look back on in the future. 

So here we go...

1. How much do you spend on makeup in a month? A year? I would say I spend a very minimal amount each month, sometimes nothing and sometimes a ton... So it's impossible to put a price tag on it.. I used to spend £20 at least each month on nailpolish or bathbombs or lip glosses etc etc.. I really took a look at myself in 2019 and now I have the odd splurge on eye makeup or nude lipsticks.. But otherwise anything new coming in are gifts or replacements I really need. 
2. Do you ever feel guilty about how much you spend on makeup? I certainly HAVE done in the past.  (See above).
3. Do you get FOMO related to makeup releases? Not for new releases, but I do see other people's rose gold/ nude toned makeup and get FOMO it will be discontinued by the time I need to purchase a replacement... 
4. Do you purchase or keep items simply because they are limited edition? I do not.  BUT I am guilty off keeping things for far longer than I should as it's a gift, or discontinued or expensive.. 
5. Would you be willing to pay more money for a sold out product online? No I much prefer to go into a store and swatch or just look at the product in real life, it's far More satisfying. 
6. Do you wish you could spend more? Or less? I would like to reach the point in my collection where I can spend MORE so I can treat myself again... It's fun to have something new, I can't shake that side of me!
7. Do you feel compelled to buy something when you see it in someone else’s collection? Yes, if I see something on YouTube that's in everyone's collection and they all speak highly of it,  I find myself needing it! But only if it's consistent or during a declutter as it will be more truthful...
8. Do you buy more during the holidays? Nope :)
9. Have you ever hidden a makeup purchase from friends or family? Nope, when I was younger I wasn't really into makeup.. After that it was my own money and something I enjoyed for myself!
10. Do you have more than 10 products in your collection that you have not used in over a month? Shamefully.. Yes. I have loads of back-up foundations/ mascaras so there's that.  And I have loads of single eyeshadows that I haven't touched in what feels like forever.. I'm also awful for lip products so most of that is also gathering dust!! 
11. Have you ever been pressured to purchase something you could not afford or did not need? Not in regards to makeup.. 
12. Do you purchase makeup for collector reasons? Thankfully not! I'm lucky that I see it as something to use and enjoy rather than just buy to complete a set or anything. 
13.  In your makeup journey have you become more or less consumeristic? It's hard to say, I really do enjoy shopping and can't see that buzz fading off anytime soon.. But equally I am More mindful on expiry dates and the fact I have one face and simply can't use everything up, even with the best intentions. I'm actively looking at owning less in all aspects of my life.. Buying less but better..

Wardrobe 2020

One of my friends used the phrase "new decade, new me" and I really like it and I'm using it as inspiration to motivate me to make some changes.

I will never be a minimalist (and wouldn't want to be quite frankly!) But I do want to make more considered purchases and appreciate what I do have much more.

I have so much clutter.. And whilst most of it is sentimental or just interesting... I just can't keep everything... It will be far nicer for somebody else to use/ love the item rather than it languish in a cupboard or drawer.

 I mentioned I am doing a project pan and a make-up low buy this year. I am continuing with that.. But it's a slow process and I want to see some action now!

So here is... WARDROBE 2020!!

This is my mission to clear out some of the old and loved pieces that don't reflect my style today. We all have those items we bought that STILL have the labels attached... With the promise that "I will wear it one day". And that day somehow never seems to materialise.

So what I'm planning to do is break my wardrobe 'end use' down into categories and really be honest with myself on how much I need to fulfil that part of my life.

I really enjoy fashion, and can't see myself being so strict I end up with a top and a pair of jeans... But maybe I should let go some of those high heels that ruin my feet... Maybe I don't need 10 pairs of black ankle boots... (although they are my weakness!).

As I start my wardrobe declutter I will update here, as it will keep me accountable!

...Wish me luck!

Chicken noodle soup recipe...

Just made myself such a delicious lunch that I felt I should write down the recipe so I don't forget it...

This is my own version of chicken noodle soup.

Ingredients:

*Frozen chicken chunks
*mushrooms
*Pak choi
*Golden veg Cuppasoup (Yes really!)
*Rice noodles
*Garlic and regular oil

Method:

Step 1. Drizzle a small amount of garlic oil over the frozen (or fresh!) chicken and cook form the oven at 180 for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 2. Whilst the chicken is cooking, prepare the pak choi by slicing it down the middle to create long strips and washing the mushrooms.

Step 3. At around 10 minutes before the chicken is done. Switch on the kettle for boiling water and heat up a large frying pan.
Once the pan is hot, please add some oil and stirfry the pak choi and mushrooms.
Use the boiling water from the kettle to cook through the rice noodles at this time.

Step 4. Using a large bowl add the cooked noodles and veg and add some extra boiling water (the amount depends on how thick you prefer soup). And add in the Cuppasoup powder and stir through until it has thoroughly mixed. I took the chicken out of the oven and cut it into smaller pieces and added that to the bowl and stirrred it through.

And that's it! Now enjoy!

Free McDonalds

January it's a tough month for us all.. It's all diets no money and back to the every day grind...

One little ray of sunshine for me has been the McDonald's app relaunch. 

I'll be honest,  I never go there normally. But I spotted an ad online for a free McMuffin being given out, and that was good enough for me!!

Sadly the app is still full of bugs and that ment I couldn't get my Mc muffin (sobs) :'( BUT they have done a few other decent giveaways such as free coffee and cheese bites and chips! I'm not sure when this all finishes - some point in January?! But I highly recommend downloading this app and take advantage of these offers!!!

Project pan...

Over the last few months, I have really started to consider my purchases and how long it genuinely takes to finish my beauty products...

I think it can take 6 months of almost daily use to finish a blusher or bronzer.. The fact I own more than one is quite frankly ridiculous.

I have a crazy amount of all types of beauty products, some that I use and some that I don't...

Now the last thing I want to do is a clear out of these products unless they are expired, as that's much more wasteful. And I don't really mind having lots to use as it means I can 'shop my stash' and change up my makeup looks and not get bored too quickly.

But my goal is to buy less but better, so I guess it's  a year of makeup low buys.. I want to buy minimal amounts of new beauty products and try to get myself down to a more manageable amount.  I think ill do another post showing my categories and aims for each section as it isn't really a one size fits all for my makeup wants and needs, shop I'm not going to treat my mascara needs the same as my liquid eyeliner needs...

I find YouTube project pan videos really inspiring and helpful to keep me on track, have you ever tried a no buy or low buy??

Dinner at BK

I recently went for dinner in our local Brewhouse and Kitchen. Which if you haven't heard of them before, is a pub that brews it's own beers..

I was there for dinner, and I haven't been there for about a year or so... But wow! The food is fantastic,  I went for a chicken and avacado burger and it was so much better than I imagined.. 

Sadly I didn't think to snap any pics as I was staving and just dug in straight away. 

The burger was actually a proper chicken breast rather than being ground up chicken, and it came with a mountain of chips!

Honestly I'm giving it a 9/10... Literally the only thing taking it from a 10 is the lack of salad on the plate (I really enjoy my salad!)..

If you get the chance, please pop in there and check them out! Ha ha! I should say this not an AD!

Hiatus...

So, after a rather extensive hiatus from blogging... I am back!

I have been wanting to start up a new hobby this year as one of my Newyears resolutions.. And my lovely friend Rachel mentioned blogging, which nudged my memory of this blog that I started back in 2013 shortly after moving to Chester.

Quite a lot has gone on since 2015, but I think that's for a future blog post...

I'm not quite sure what I want to use this space for... Will I continue with fashion and a bit of lifestyle... or will I come up with something else?

I might just blog and see where it takes me!

No idea what sort of schedule I plan to keep on this either... :)

So what I can say for sure is HAPPY NEWYEARS to everyone and let's all look forward to a positive and productive heart ahead!