'ESCAPE' | THE WANDERLIST X LES 2 COQUETTES

F Y I : AN UPDATE

'DO NOTHING CLUB' - THE WANDERLIST X LES 2 COQUETTES

FYI - AN UPDATE

10/09/15 - RETREAT CAFE - KINGLY COURT

Kingly Court is one of my favourite places in London: a secluded area nestled within one of the most infamous areas of our capital city.

Its also home to this little slice of serenity that sits unassumingly on the top floor...

TEA TIME : TAYLORS STRAWBERRY & VANILLA GREEN TEA

Get out your glow sticks and vizzy vests, because this ones a raver.

WANDERLIST WANTS | JUMPERS

We're 4 days into September, and you need to lock me up and throw away the key; because I am 100% GUILTY of jumper hunting. 

'ACANTEEN' - AREVIEW ( 21 / 08 / 15)

You would never have guessed that this little treasure was nestled away in a county infamous for fake tan and birthing the creator of the word 'fusey'...

This place.

*The deepest of breaths*

'HOLBORN > HOXTON & BACK' - A LDN PHOTO DIARY ( 22 / 08 / 15)

LITTLE THINGS

This month, I purposefully decided that I would treat myself.

I decided I would get what I wanted.

'WUBU2 : A CATCH UP' - PHOTO DIARY

09 / 08 / 2015 - LUSH (LAKESIDE) BLOGGERS EVENT

The new and improved way to spend your Sunday morning...

WANDERLIST WANTS | SHOES

Because, you really can never have enough...

04 / 08 / 15 - 'LDN, ALONE' - PHOTO DIARY

Sometimes you need to utilise the fact that your only half an hour away from London...

A SEARCH FOR STYLE | Have I made Fashion boring?

PAYDAY WANDERLISTIN' | JULY

Oh gosh. I just. I just want all the stuff and all the things.

'GET READY, GIRLS' - A Photo Diary

WANDERLIST WANTS | JULY

Is it bad that I'm already thinking about what I want for Christmas? 

JULY WEEKENDER | GRUB

Holly: Oh Courtney I really like it!

Its been months and months of Instagram stalking, train closures, and weeping over what to eat first:

but we finally made it.

THE BLOGGERS LOVE HUB - Food and Drink Festival

Generous isn't even the word. 

My arms have never hurt from carrying food - but, as often said; there's a first time for everything.

JULY WEEKENDER | #OOTD - STRIPES | SHIRTS

A part of London synonymous with walls plentifully bestrewn with vibrant street art;

- and we choose a grey one. 

Are you stripes, or shirts?

JULY WEEKENDER - OVERVIEW

I don't even know where to begin. 

I have had one of the best weekends ever.

RECIPE : BANANA, DATE AND ALMOND MILK SMOOTHIE

Its like having toffee for breakfast.

The warmth of the cinnamon, its indulgent, thick milkshake consistency and super super sweet flavour make this concoction the ideal guilt-free treat for when that sweet tooth comes and taps you on the shoulder; so I suggest you whip up this bad boy and get slurpin'!

TEA TIME : TWININGS CHERRY BAKEWELL GREEN TEA

I mean, there was no way I was putting this down.

New, consumable, discoveries get me excited in an uncontrollable, unguarded way - so as soon as I saw this, I knew there was no way I was leaving without it. 

BE YOUR BEST BLOG : 3 things you forget to remember

'Don't blog for the sake of blogging.' #wisewordsfromthewndrlst

Sometimes you simply get stuck in a creative rut, sometimes motivation is cruelly and unexpectedly snatched from you seemingly for no apparent reason, and often you'll spend too much time comparing and not enough time evaluating. Which leaves you thinking: 

WHATS THE POINT?

Stop, right, there.

SO - because no one likes a 'negative Nancy', or a 'down-in-the-dumps Debra', I've devised 3 very simple tips to help save you from that sinking sandpit of creative dissatisfaction;

RECIPE - OATMEAL COOKIE SMOOTHIE

It was as good as I hoped it would be. It was as good as they said it was. 

This recipe comes courtesy of 'The Kitchy Kitchen' and her collaboration with Youtube's Ingrid Nilsen - one of the first Youtubers I ever watched a few years back, and someone who I still catch up with on occasion. Not in person, like, obvz. 

BLENDERS AT THE READY - here's what y'all need;

HELLO HEALTH

Fitness has never been so fashionable. 

Its funny to think there was a time when no one really cared, you know, when people were still so unaware and unconcerned about the dietary choices they were making, or the lack of exercise they were doing and the repercussions it could have on their quality of life.

04/07/15 - A SPONTATNEOUS SATURDAY

Sometimes, your plans don't to go to plan.

Sometimes, you don't have to plan.

Sometimes, don't plan.

Sometimes - just get up and go. 

STUFF I DID #3

I like these posts.

They remind you of all the nice things you did and stuff.

So, like, I got really excited in the whole foods section of a mahoosive Tesco near my work, bought some bars, and THEN found a nutrition-y shop within this mahoosive Tesco that sold MORE wholefood/protein bars, ones that I had only ever seen online AND they were on 3 for 2 - its safe to say the decision making was painfully enjoyable. 

The special close up's call for a special mention;

...,HFIENSKCOPAKSMOWITUIOSNVAPDLSICOQILDBJSU!

*clears throat.*

DESTINATION: VEGETATION

I often find it hard to relax.

I've come to realise my mind never fully switches off - well obviously not Courtney because then you'd be dead - even if I think it has. Even if I decide to actually do nothing, it still will usually entail constantly jotting down things in my phone, or googling things before I forget them, its something I can't help but do.

I've discovered, its hard to completely disconnect. 

So, whilst on this learning curve of disengagement, I've decided to compile a helpful, cute little list of things to do to simply unravel yourself...

MY PINTEREST WEEKLY ROUNDUP #1

I love Pinterest. 

And to think there was a time when I thought that the only purpose of Pinterest was just to show you how to manufacture striped straws and decorate mason jars. (Well, I'm not entirely wrong there.)

Nowadays I struggle to think where I would be without it, its a mood-lifter, its an constant source of inspiration, it enhances your outfit, but most important of all - Pinterest enhances your life. 

I pin all day long. I am fully aware that I could very easily spend countless hours doing that very activity, but I have to actively refrain daily in fear of wasting my life. So. I'm going to share some images that have ignited some impassioned inspiration this week.

  Oh lawdy, narrowing this down is going to be emotional.

PLAYIN' IT COOL 

1) This outfit, this picture, is just wholly, and completely inspiring. Its this kind of androgynous styling that I am absolutely smitten with; its so laid back, and nonchalant and attractive. The sunglasses, the suit, the hair pulled back, the vans, the bracelets, the glow, the cafe, the croc patterned handbag perched on the table - yes, yes, everything, YES. 

2) Nuff said.

I LOVE ASOS WHITE

OH, HAI THERE.

I only found out about this collection on ASOS a few months ago, and boy, oh, boy is it right up my alley. Given my current infatuation with clean, classic pieces and timeless shapes, ASOS white is singing loud and proud from my hymn sheet, so because of this, I thought I'd do an edit to show my adoration and appreciation;

(Many deep breaths are taken to prepare for the peruse of the picks...)

ASOS WHITE: EDIT

If there was only one thing I could buy from this collection, it would be this Denim Shirt Dress. Its perfect; the grandad collar, its ambiguous shape, its versatility. Its one of those pieces that you could reach for if you were lost for inspiration - its fail-safe, and reliable. I also love the idea of having it buttoned down and wearing it as a jacket - to be concise - its SUPER FRICKIN' COOL. Its just so cool.

 It would make me look cool.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - GRUB - Cutter & Squidge

After one failed attempt to get here, determined, Mimi and I finally made it, and we were ready to get our mitts on some CAKE AND MORE CAKE AND OTHER CAKE LIKE THINGS. 

Buried deep in Soho is the Cutter & Squidge pop up, and thankfully it was still here - after getting a frightening panic the evening before thinking it had popped off.

I come across Cutter & Squidge on instagram about 2 months ago, and instantly knew I had to visit. The decor and branding is so wholesome, and colourful, with its friendly 'countryside' appeal. Really original and rather adorable.

I mean, how could you possibly NOT want to try one of these beauties?! The creations above are called 'Biskies' created especially by Cutter & Squidge and are a cross between a cake, a cookie, and a biscuit. And I can confirm - they are an utter triumph. 

I was so proud of my time- efficient and swift selection, considering the array of tantalising flavours in front of me. I went for the 'Chocolate Coconut Smore Biskie', and to, logically, counteract the chocolate overload, my second choice was the 'We Bake a Tart Well'.

The actual Biskie itself is close in texture, and pleasantly soft, quite similar to a 'Whoopie Pie' but less thick and stodgy - they are the perfect sweet treat.

Also on offer, are a selection of 'Dreamcakes'; tall, colourful and exceptionally, as the title would suggest - dreamy. 

I had to didn't I - I'd been to the gym the day before, so, you know, it was fine. I had the situation under control. In the end, it was between the above and 'Apple of my Pie' - which had some kind of apple puree filling which was super enticing, but in the end I decided to go for the 'Cookies'n'Cream'. 

The sponge was so moist and dense, but in no way heavy, and the buttercream was super light and whipped to perfection - but there was a lot of it, and it was very sweet so I couldn't quite manage it all. The slice was finished off at the top with a tiny biskie embossed with a little 'C&S' stamp, which was a lovely, sweet touch. 

One of the main things I love about this company, is that they themselves, are health concious - much like myself - so they have purposefully created products that aren't laden with the bad stuff.

 They use no hydrogenated fats, no artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives, and use premium, and British ingredients whenever possible, and its this kind of authentic, considered ethic that makes me champion Cutter & Squidge; it makes everything you buy worth the money you pay for it. 

AESTHETIC: 8.5/10

GRUB: 9/10

Would I return and recommend? - Uh, YAH.

So get yourself down to their Soho pop-up, like, NOW. Ok, maybe not right now, because I don't think they are open, but, when you get an indulgent itch, get scratching with the help of these pals.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - GRUB - Melt Room

I've been to Soho quite a few times now, I'd like to think I'm pretty well-acquainted with the area, but because its such a 'hip'n'happenin' area, there are always new places popping up that I want to try out/ dribble outside of.

I heard about 'The Melt Room' a little while ago via twitter, and enticed by the rather unique idea of the place, started following them when they were in the process of setting up their shop, so was happy to find it open when we happened to stumble upon it. 

  (P.s how amazing does my nail varnish look ermagherd.)

#itnevermeltsogood

I got 'The Classic' with onion which was priced at £5.00. The bread used is sourdough - a great touch - which gives the sandwich that ultimate crispiness. 

I really love the branding. Its simple, clean, and effectively attention grabbing and bright. 

AESTHETIC : 8/10

GRUB: 5.5/10

Would you return and recommend? - I probably wouldn't return, no - unless I had a seriously uncontrollable and specific hankering for cheese.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - #OOTD

I really really loved the idea of having, and choosing, a song for my last #OOTD - so, please hit play!

BOHO BOYF

Casual | Masculine | Cool AF

#thosecheekbonestho #whoneedscontour #shedoesnt

I was continually bombarding Mimi with exclamations of love for her outfit when I saw her earlier this week, so I thought it would only be right to do a guest #OOTD!

Mimi is an accidental dresser; one of these people who can throw on anything without spending hours pondering, and unbeknownst to herself, ends up looking enviably effortless.

I loved the layering of the crochet under her shirt - major boho vibes.

Kewt.

I really loved the toughened, masculine feel, and the fact that it was so comfortable and casual but still experimental. For anyone else who is partial to a bit of 'Made in Chelsea - I said this outfit was rather reminiscent of a stylish Mr.Jamie Laing, does anybody else agree? 

 My beautiful babs.

 @mimi_gilles 

I hope you've enjoyed this different #OOTD - and are feeling inspired!

(Resorted to layering in mid-june. Come on england ffs.)