Thursday 28 May 2015

STUFF I DID #2 (MAY BANK HOLIDAY)

1) I made French toast.


I'd been wanting to make it for an age, but either never fancied it or, quite frankly, couldn't be bothered. Whilst happily scouring Pinterest for a recipe, I came across one for 'Fried Honey Banana', so to make it a little more interesting and somewhat challenging, I thought I'd have a go at that an'all!


It was actually super simple! I replaced the Honey with Maple Syrup (ma fave) and threw in some Bloobs because I liked the idea of warm fruit with the maple taste - YUM. 



Twas lovely. The perfect home-made Sunday brunch. Indulgent, filling, easy, but surprisingly enough, not as HORRIFIC for you health wise as it looks. Its like having dessert for breakfast...and who wouldn't want that?! 

2) Recieved late birthday gifts




Birthday presents in the form of Primark pyjama bottoms are just pure WIN. I'd been eyeing up the biscuit ones for the longest time, and am so happy they're now mine. I literally love them so much; Primark pyjama bottoms make me super haps!

3) Nails: painted


I got this shade for my birthday as a little extra gift from someone for my birthday; its a No7 polish in the shade 'Neptune'. I've never used No7 nail polish before, so didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. The brush was rounded and fat - which I love - it allows for an easy application and helps with neatness since the shape of the brush compliments the shape of the cuticle. The colour itself is a good mixture of navy and grey, a colour I don't have in my collection, and with a slick of a glossy top coat, looks uber chic and polished. (Pardon the pun.)

4) Found more beautiful things on Pinterest...



So. Seriously. How BEAUTIFUL is this cafe?! When having my nightly scour of Pinterest before bed, I found this and fell in love. Aesthetics, aesthetics, aesthetics. Simplicity, minimalism - just gawjus dahhhhling. OH! and the name! Oh so cute. I would love to go here very much. *adds to list with an unavoidable urgency



So charming and elegant. Just so very perfect. Beautiful. Like I said in a previous post, its looking at places like this that fill me with drive and ambition.


I was so happy when this popped up during my peruse; this place is on my list - 'THE LIST' - along with other Scandinavian bakeries, but I never managed to remember to research what it looked like. Funnily enough, I was talking to a Swedish native with whom I work with, who has visited Scandinavian bakeries in London, and she highly recommended this one, saying it was the most authentic she had been to - how can I possibly ignore that recommendation! It looks so warm and inviting and homely; its makes me even more eager to visit!

5) 'FITSPO' Findings



Simple. To the point. Honest. 

'I'll go tomorrow' runs through the mind of most people with a gym membership, and this 'no excuses', ballsy approach slapping you in the face is, sometimes, just what you need to get your, potentially exceptionally pert, bottom into gear. Its a perfect line to remember on one of those days.


When I first joined the gym, and for a good while after, I saw cardio as 10-20 minutes of torture. I really did not enjoy it, at all. But now, I enjoy it; I'm a slave to the treadmill. I tend to do between 30-45 minutes on the treadmill, and it really does make me think about nothing else but running and my body and how much I'm bloody sweating. Running clears my mind of whatever its worrying about, it genuinely helps me to think clearer, and it feeds me with ideas and inspiration for anything from food to blog posts to photo shoots. By the end of it, I am absolutely dripping, and I mean, D-R-I-P-P-I-N-G with sweat, and it feels so bloody good. Achievement never looked so sweaty.



Of course a bit of Instagram inspiration never goes amiss! I've been following Carly Rowena ever since I found her on Youtube a year ago, her approach to fitness and health is positive, attainable, and welcoming. I love how colourful and optimistic her feed always is, and I especially appreciate how she doesn't shun having indulgent treats! I percieve her outlook to be big on happiness, and how a well rounded healthy lifestyle helps to make you just that. It really does.

I was introduced to The Body Coach by my brother; his accessible, original and charismatic recipe clips are pure win. I have been going on there for meal inspiration and am never left unsatisfied. Top class. Amazing. FOLLOW FOLLOW FOLLOW. 

6) Made some tasty grub




Simple sweet potato mash, mountain of broccoli and red pepper smoked mackerel - which I've never had before but was totally lush. There's nothing more satisfying than eating a well-rounded, wholesome meal! Healthy doesn't mean complicated or expensive! 

Hope y'all enjoyed your Bank Holiday!












Monday 25 May 2015

MONDAY MOTIVE

Just sharing some things I've come across that have given me a spurt of positivity and motivation... 


As soon as I found this late Saturday night, I couldn't help myself from sharing it across my most used social media. You can spend so long trying to find adequate quotes to sum up how you feel, or how you want to feel, but most of the time it can be succinctly put into one word. This is a 'power word' for me; one to always remember. Its a perfect image, so whimsical and understated; I absolutely adore watercolour-esque illustration, and so teamed with a word that I will now hold onto forever more, its fitting. (like a glove, to be precise) 


This is a photo of a street in Fitztrovia that I found on Pinterest over the weekend. So cute. So homely and authentic and cosy. It makes me think of the kind of place I'd love to live, and refreshes and resurfaces the image I have for myself in however many years time. As cliché or possibly cringe-tastic as it sounds; it helps me to envisage my future goals, and my future self. It reminds me of all the positive things that lie ahead, all the things I have to look toward and that hopefully one day I'll be walking on these cobblestones up to my front door. (insert praying emoji) 


I love this. 

Changing my wallpaper on my phone is something small I look forward to that always makes me cheerful. I look at my phone god knows how many times a day, so it makes sense for it to display something that I, well, that I find a visual treat. Sometimes I'll want a quote, but recently I've been loving just having a print or illustration. I love watercolour, as I've said before, and when on the search for that I found this. Its so - for want of a better word - quirky. I think my deep-rooted love comes from the fact that for some reason it reminds me of GIRLS (One of my, if not my no.1, favourite shows EVAH) I would love this as a print on a shirt or tote or phone case, and its the kind of print I could imagine Hannah from GIRLS wearing. Its just so wonderfully fun and feminine.


Sometimes it really is just the little things...

Saturday 23 May 2015

EXPLORING LDN | WHERE NXT?

If it wasn't already apparent, Holly and myself have begun a venture into London, exploring places we've never been to before, visiting as many food markets as we can possibly manage, continually admiring clothes and having a rather amazing time along the way. Our first venture was to Selfridges and Soho - we literally spent about 5 hours in Selfridges, and ate at BRGR.CO on Wardour Street;


It was a place I'd seen before when I'd been around Soho, and always thought looked good. (Could it possibly look any trendier?) By the time we emerged from Selfridges, yellow bags in hand, we were ravenous and meat was going to be the only answer. Somehow, luckily enough, my starved mind pushed aside the images of £700 Linda Farrow sunglasses and remembered that this place existed. It was exactly what we needed. 


We both went for cheesy fries because, to be honest, we were ready for a full on gorge-fest. The burger itself was divine; melt in the mouth meat teamed with a super soft and, might I add - super shiny, brioche bun. I would most definitely recommend BRGR.CO to any starved shopper sauntering around Soho. 

Our next trip was to Camden, of which I posted about on here! Our next trip is next Saturday; destination - Shoreditch. We are both most enthused and excitable (as per) but especially as the area seems to encompass a lot of things we want to see/go to/experience/EAT.

My research began to snowball when I found myself stumbling across tonnes of gems nearby. I had already suggested visiting the Urban Food Festival; 


...which takes place every Saturday from Midday to Midnight in a car park along the high street. (The plot thickens.) SO, then, when doing a bit of Google map exploration, I noticed Spitalfields Market (another place on the list) is only a 5-6 minute walk away - I couldn't believe it! THEN (The plot is very thick) the penny dropped in my brain that a burger stall/place/hub of goodness that we had both been perving on on Instagram is at Spitalfields; 


BLEECKER ST. BURGER

Can you feel that? - that's your mouth...watering.

I've been finding out nothing but amazing things about this place, so am so stoked that its so close to where we are going. I have a big love for the logo; instantly iconic, perfectly simplistic and succinct. I have no doubt I will be RAY-VINNNN' about this place. 

THEN I remembered that Boxpark (another place I've been wanting to visit for literally 2 years) is home to yet another place I've been wanting to go to; 


I'll give you the pleasure of searching for donut porn yourself. 

I'm sure a lot of peeps have already heard of these, but if you haven't - I insist that you indulge in some visual gratification by checking them out on instagram. They are very clear that their products are baked not fried, which is so refreshing and even more enticing. They offer both traditional and croissant doughnuts in an array of delectable flavours, so delectable infact, that I am already having convulsions at the thought of having to make a decision about what one (or five) to have. 

The day shall begin with a stop at a coffee shop, and although Holly can't stand the stuff, she does appreciate an impeccable aesthetic so I have found a place which I think will fulfil our desires profusely;



How can a single letter ooze so much covet-able cool? 

Once again, raving reviews, beautiful branding and its conveniently on the way to Spitalfields.

#WINNING

Obviously it shall all be photographically documented and shared on here - so keep an eye out!


I'm well mega proper excited.






Thursday 21 May 2015

STUFF I DID #1

Since my birthday, I've been out and about doing bits of shopping hurrr and thurrr. Someday's I've been out and found absolutely nothing. Nada, not a bean, and other days my arms are chock full with goodies; because when it goes right, I get that rush and I'm on a rollllllllllllllllll!


On a quest for basics and staples, H&M have really proved themselves to me. I wasn't a huge champion of H&M, in the past I have found it to be very hit&miss (eh eh see what I did there) with the quality and fit and overall selection. This was my second time venturing in there with birthday dollar in hand - having had a rather successful trip a week prior - and I was even more pleased than before, this time round was even more triumphant than the last!


  •  I was on the hunt for some grey joggers, and the ones above fitted perfectly, were super comfy and easy on the purse. My reasoning behind my desire was the thought of encompassing the whole smart/casual Scandinavian look, pairing them with a white shirt, a white tee like above,or maybe a v-neck cami ; I really love their uncomplicated feel. 
  • My next purchase wasn't planned, but was lurking in the back of my Pinterest saturated mind; a pair of straight leg trousers. I bought a navy pair; I'm really loving navy, especially since I saw it smothered over most AW/15 collections during fashion week. They once again fitted perfectly, are rather flattering and only £14.99! They were giving me major Parisian premonitions, paired with a simple grey tee, layered necklaces and minimal sandals - magnifique! 
  • My last purchase was this gorgeous sleeveless, grey, turtle-neck top and it was an absolute steal at only £12.99! If you copped a feel of this top, you would understand by enthused nature. The material is quick thick, which is what helps it to retain such a structured aesthetic. I genuinely thought it was going to be around £25, easily, because of the quality of it, so was elated when I realised it was much less. Once again, it gave me Parisian premonitions, was complimentary on the bod and really was the embodiment of 'chic.' Although its just a sleeveless top, I feel it has this ladylike, classic beauty and a somewhat maturing quality. Its the kind of thing I would see on someone else and covet; that's how I knew it had to come home avec moi!



On Saturday I tried on an array of trainers, this quest was getting all kinds of serious and I needed to find out all my 'varying' sizes. These caught my eye. I have always strayed away from Roshe Runs as a potential winner of my affection, because I always questioned their potentially unforgiving look on the/my feet, and the fact that they aren't the most weatherproof shoe. BUT. They looked really nice. I actually have been looking at these aswell because they appear to look more durable and structured;




....but these are £94.99. Which is a bit of a financial bomb on my bank account. But I'm still smitten.


Instagram made me do it. 

I had an uncontrollably powerful desire to get a frappucino at 5pm on a Saturday eve, and I was going to make it happen. I hadn't been to Starbucks in about a month, and I hadn't had a frappucino in about a year and a half, and when I found out about the new addition to the menu I was all for it. The Java Chip frappucino was delish, real good. I recently read a bit more into the secret menu, and came across a Ferrero Rocher frappucino, and now I can't get the idea out of my head. I reallllllllllllly want to try one, but just don't want to risk looking like an absolute twerp if they don't know what I'm talking about. One day Courtney, one day. 




In other news, I have found yet another absolutely dreamy bakery in London that I want to visit - I mean, this is just getting out of hand. Its actually becoming hard for me when I find somewhere new, because I know I've got to add it to the exceedingly long list of places I must go to. BUT, if all things go accordingly, I shall be merrily strolling into Cutter and Squidge this Saturday!

If not, I may just HAVE to go alone. And eat cake. Alone.

... And that's ok.


Tuesday 19 May 2015

FRESH KIX.

FINALLY.

Finally, finally, finally - I have obtained a new pair of trainers. FINALLY.

My feet are awkward. Sometimes they want to be a 6, sometimes they fancy being a 7, and sometimes they decide to be a 6.5 - so it casts an ever so slightly torturous shadow over my severe enjoyment of picking new trainers.






OLD SKOOL VANS YAH.  

After relentlessly looking at trainers all'day err'day (I'm not complaining) and buying a pair of all white Adidas superstars that subsequently didn't fit, I decided to be tough on myself and whittle down my lust list. I decided on these because, well, because...THEY JUST LOOK SUPER KEWL. But they actually do though. After seeing them all over Pinterest, and continually going all googly-eyed whenever seeing them included in the outfit of some effortlessly stylish Parisian, I made the decision. I can't wait to style them; I've already been thinking of outfits. Something new is always inspiring. As much as I do want another pair of 'trainer trainers' (you know what I mean) these still fill my gaping 'new trainers please' void, and I really really really do love how they look; I'm proper chuffed with'em.

YAY 4 NEW SHOOZE.





Friday 15 May 2015

CAMDEN LOCK MARKET WITH HOLLY - 09/05/15


 We got to there at around 11'o'clock, it was looking a little grim weather wise; a bit windy and grey, alas, the bright, bold and impressive shop fronts on the walk to the market distracted us from Camden's cloudiness. As impressive as some of the shops are that are down the initial strip, I will say a lot of it is discerning and rather repelling 'tourist tack' - BUT! That is to be expected of such a popular and well-known area of London. NONETHELESS - once we saw the infamous sign (you know the one)... 
Admittedly, thankfully, the sun had decided to make an appearance when this was taken later in the day...


We felt gurd. 

I can hardly remember how we made it into the market, it felt like a maze - but not in a frustrating disorientating way, but in a impressively intricate way. Nooks and crannies, cobbled paving and people, lots of people. Holly found a cash machine and through finding that we stumbled across the FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD. First we spotted Honest Burgers, which I've heard nothing but amazing things about, but we wanted to resist going for something similar to what we had the last time we went out, so tried to nonchalantly walk past. Then, as we were about to make a left turn I looked to the right and spotted something I had come across on Instagram beforehand; something we had completely forgotten to remember...



I MEAN. R U HAVIN' A LAUGH OR WOT. 

How can this be a thing?! HOW. In a world chock full of considered aesthetics and thoughtful design, there sits an unassuming pile - a PILE - of cronuts and donuts advertised by laminated signs in a standard font held on by bulldog clips in Camden. THIS is simplicity. THIS is simply giving the people what they want; a mountainous heap of fried perfection, and I say that with most sincerity, because after having eaten what I bought (photos pending, don't worry) I can honestly say they were faultless and amazing and perfect and heavenly and amongst the best things I have ever eaten in my life thus far. 

After this we realised that the time had come - lunchtime to be precise - and we were going to have to decide what we wanted; we were going to have to pick from all of the mouthwatering market stalls that were offering oral explosions. In my previous post I mentioned a stall I had found out about called 'Chia Foods' and about their chicken and halloumi specials, so, after wandering through wafts of sizzling bagels, gourmet cheese toasties and pulled pork we decided to go with what we had planned - especially considering it was one of the healthier options, and we weren't being necessarily healthy with our other pickings. Oh hai carrier bag filled with cronuts. 




It really was delish. The chunks of halloumi were parcels of joy for the mouth, and the mix of garlic aoili and honey mustard yoghurt dressing that the lovely guy serving us suggested us trying only heightened the enjoyment. Super fresh, filling and nutritionally satisfying it was definately a ruddy good choice. 




At the front of the stall were four big bowls of colour; avocadoes in one, vibrant cabbage in another, mixed salad leaves and juicy red cherry tomoatoes coated in quinoa - I opted to have them all and to be honest I'm not sure how the guy even, well, wrapped it, it was absolutely bursting at the seems! 




After finishing our lunch we headed further into the market, wanting to explore some more. We found an entrance leading us past harrowing hedgehog bags, stalls selling copious amounts of rings and jewellery until we found a cute t-shirt place that held our attention for 15 minutes. We carried on weaving through the lanes until they spat us out back where we began. 




We had past Yumchaa on our exploration of the market, popped our heads in and looked around a little, and agreed we'd go back and be adventurous. I saw that they had a matcha latte on their menu, so wanted to go back and try one to see what all the - much instagrammed - fuss was about. Holly was also feeling a little adventurous and went for a raspberry frozen tea which she ended up not being toooooo keen on - BUT ATLEAST SHE TRIED OK.





Um.

I'ma be honest. It was...alright. It was...drinkable. It was, mmm - odd. I don't know. I mean, Maybe I was being naive expecting it to have coffee in it aswell, but, for those who don't know; its just Matcha powder and milk. It wasn't the worse thing I've ever had, but, I don't think I'll be having it again any time soon; its one of those, you know. But Yumchaa itself was super cute, really shabby chic and stripped back and simplistic, and although Holly didn't like what she ordered, I thought it was quite nice, so it wasn't too much of a disappointing experience. 

We stumbled across the stables market a bit further on and wandered around there, finding a really interesting clothes shop stocking up and coming brands, and spoke to a very passionate guy who owned one of the brands stocked in the shop. After we had finished we made our way back to the station, wanting to go in a few shops along the way. We went into the mecca that is Urban Oufitters, and spent an absolute age in there looking at everything - especially the books; which is our joint favourite thing about Urban. 



We both convinced eachother (quite easily I might add) to buy a book each - I had to choose between 'Eat Pretty' and 'How to be Parisian wherever you are' and Holly ended up going with 'Its not how good you are, its how good you want to be.' There were 2 books we picked up that I have thought about a lot since we were there, this was one of them; 



Super super super sweet; this book was filled with little illustrations on each page of what there is to be happy about, and they included silly little things like; the smell of bacon in the morning, or if its raining outside and your in - stuff that you couldn't think of on the spot. Such an endearing little pick me up, and such a bright and cheerful shade of yellow. I love yellow.




The other book was 'Get shit done'; which had motivational quotes on each page, ones that made you actually think and feel differently. Although you can find a motivational quote or saying at the tap of a screen, sometimes its really nice to have something physically and tangibly written in front of you; sometimes it helps me to really see and fully comprehend what is being said. 


Technology can become stagnant when I'm looking for a sense of refreshment.  


Proudly perched on my shelf; I finally have it! I can't wait to start reading this. Jolene Hart herself (well I hope it was actually her!) commented on my instagram post which I thought was really lovely! 

All in all I had another amazing day out, and already cannot wait for the next. All this exploring London malarkey is getting highly addictive, its so exciting and I really do love seeing parts of the city I haven't seen before and experiencing it all. I honestly am getting to the point where I just want to go somewhere every single weekend! We are pretty certain that next time (in the next week or 2) we are gonna hit up Shoreditch; its way overdue and we are so very game. 

*scurries off to obsessively research every inch of East London...*





Monday 4 May 2015

LISTEN

Kwabs - 'Perfect Ruin'

Atmospheric, beautifully delicate and soulful, a moving and impeccably crafted song. 


Have a listen.

Sunday 3 May 2015

STYLE IDEAS

CHILL BOY
Immaculate | Clean | Simple

SHIRT | JOGGERS | TRAINERS
Its this kind of chilled, boyish style that I find really attractive. Comfort is always a key for me and this definitely encompasses that. I love how laid back it is; teaming a striped shirt with the slouch bottoms is a look that I am always envious of. The pairing of the white, grey and pale blue is just so crisp and fresh, perfect for summer; a minimalistic alternative to bright pastels and loud florals.

SLIDERS | VANS

The old skool Vans heighten that boyish quality, and the quilted sliders emphasise an easy going vibe with an injection of luxe. I'm loving cool toned pastels, they look so slick and polished when incorporated into an outfit, or when paired with a more monochromatic palette.

MATT AND NAT | SILVER SHOPPER | CHARTRUESE | DUFFLE

Obviously had to sneak in a backpack from my beloved Matt and Nat in a soft taupe colour, of which would really compliment the outfit's pale palette. The silver shopper would be a really exciting addition to the look; metallics always look lovely against pale colours and enhance the cool tones of the clothes. I'm smitten with anything chartreuse right now, its one of those mouthwatering colours that oozes summer and enlivens the styling; its just so wonderfully garish. For ages I have always favoured tan bags over the classic black. and the seemingly buttery softness of this Duffle drew my attention. I don't think I'm fully convinced when it comes to Duffle bags, I find them a little too impractical, but I shan't write them off completely - never say never! For this outfit though, the style coincides fittingly.

I really love this. Simples.

SNIP SNIP.

After having a conversation about getting my hair cut yesterday, I have now been rendered unable to think about anything else. After getting my hair cut rather drastically last year, chopping off my long ombre'd locks for a layered lob I am getting the itch to get it all chopped off once more. I love the feeling of freshness once you've had your hair cut, and I find that when my hair is long 90% of the time its up in a bun.


Not long after I got my hair cut last August...
Ah man, am I the only one that finds grainy photos from your old iPhone cringey?! - I swear I never thought it was that grainy when I took it! I'll only really properly style my hair if I'm going out somewhere, you know, shopping, or a day out, or a meal etc etc, but aside from that, its mostly up for work or when I'm indoors or if I'm partaking in day-to-day outings where my degree of interest in the quality of my appearance is subsided. I'm forever finding hairstyles on Pinterest, but have managed to narrow it down to a few images which depict what I want; 


no.1 | no.2 *|  no.3 *

Its not really too dissimilar to what I had last time, but I think I might somewhere between no.3 and no.1 with the length - I'm not sure I could 'clear the shoulders' just yet but, tbh, when I get in the chair, I get admirably brave and impulsive and I don't regret it. I also think I want to go shorter with the pieces that frame the face; its just that they seem to grow so quickly! 

There is something so revitalising about this style; it has an air of maturity without being dowdy; its attractive and healthy; it oozes that coveted effortless cool; its refreshing and its an outfit enhancer.

It really is tres chic.

BRB - The 'lob' is calling... 



* If you fancy perving on some perfectly tousled locks, and major balyage inspiration check out Anh Co Tran - master of the hair everyone wants. I'm telling ya.