MARKET FOCUS: CAMDEN LOCK

This Saturday coming I have plans to visit;

It shall be a belated birthday day out, and after my long trawls on instagram, its safe to say I'm game. Really game. Game game. Obviously, the broad offerings of food have enticed and excited me, and so I have selected a few of which I am particularly eager to experience...

1) CUPCAKES AND SHHHT!

Check them out here!

I mean, you know. Just. When I saw the image above of the cookies, I got - I got excited guise. Just look at them. Fabulous. I have high hopes for these, with flavours like Peanut Butter and the classic Raspberry and White Chocolate, I am sold. Another appealing feature and selling point is the fact that everything is - as the tiny writing below the sign says; 'Hand made, fair trade, natural, recycled and locally sourced.'

With attention being drawn to the white stuff more than ever before, its always an added bonus to know what your buying is not so artificially flavoured, and its traits like that that really nab my attention - and appetite. 

'It is in our best interests to keep our products as natural as possible, sourcing only the finest ingredients and making sure not to use any artificial colourings or flavourings.'

2) CHIA

Can you spot me? (Insert smerking emoji) Check out their Instagram here!

I literally stumbled across this diamond today on my Sunday morning Instagram mooch and it just got better and better with every picture. First I was enticed by the name, then the fact that its healthy, then the above picture and then - HALLOUMI. I saw a picture of the menu (have a look on the instagram link) saw the words 'Halloumi' and 'Chicken' next to each other and the deal was sealed; the wrap, wrapped. I then went on to read a rather raving review, and stare gormless at more tempting imagery. After what I've seen so far, I'm not sure I could ask for any more. I'm thurr. 

'We're a young company, that puts a big emphasis on music and style as well as food, and we look to incorporate the elements of healthy food, good music and great service in to the experience of our customers.'

4) COOKIES AND SCREAM

http://www.cookiesandscream.com/ - Check them out!

I read about/heard about/came across 'Cookies and Scream' a little while ago actually, because of their ability to produce irresistible goodies that are totally vegan and gluten-free. The skill of making such mouthwatering treats whilst also making them dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free is something I champion and admire. They have an array of delightful delicacies on offer, a few of which you can see pictured above; cinnamon jam donuts, peanut butter brownies, their rather infamous cookies and, more recently pictured, what seems to be some kind of bounty bar. AM I DREAMING. It really is mindblowing to think all these appetizing, seemingly indulgent, treats are low fat, low cholestorol and made with unrefined sugars. Divine. I'm really really really looking forward to this. 

'Established in 2010, Cookies and Scream is a multi-award winning, fully vegan and gluten free bakery in Camden Town, London. Their range of cookies, cakes, brownies, pies and donuts are made from the finest ingredients available.'

Stretchy skinnies at the ready. 

HOMEWURR.

These past few years I have grown up and into an interest in all things home decor; I used to find a wander around IKEA a torturous and monotonous procedure in which the only solace there was to be found was in a potential plate of meatballs, or bag of mini daim bars. Food related, of course. 

Nowadays, I'm a true homie, and not in the cool, colloquial sense; I'm to be found swooning over anything from flamingo cushions, to nonsensical dust collecting ornaments. Out of all things home related, my big weakness has to be...mugs.

My 'Ham' mug - a present from one of my best friends for my 21st (its an ongoing tradition) alongside some of my homemade flapjacks. #sneakyfoodporn

I feel mugs have gained an ever-increasing notoriety, and popularity amongst the realms of homeware in recent years, its a bandwagon filled with florals, cartoon cats and uplifting sayings in an array of to-die-for typography.

I have literally just this month developed an appreciation for teacups, you know, the old fashioned granny ones? - yeah, those. I like 'em. My taste then broadens to my attachment to disney character mugs, like the one pictured above - cuteness and creativity are winning factors for me. Corr blimey, maybe this is too analytical considering I am simply discussing something that holds fluid.

Eve 3-D Mug | 'Attringham' Teacup | Monogram Mug

Behold the wonder.

And yes, this is a collage of mugs. BALLIN'. 

A mix of Anthropologie and Disney (I'm sure you can figure which is which without complications), these are some mugs that have caught my eye. Bit gutted though guise. The daisy duck mug is now nowhere to be seen, maybe she'll pop up again, but for now, I'ma have to let her, and her suggestive side stare, go. Those monogram mugs are errry'whur, and I couldn't believe it when I saw that they were only £6! The Eve mug is super simple, cute and actually quite sleek for something that is meant to be more characteristically accurate than 'fashionable'. The 'Attringham' teacup seen above is exactly the granny appeal I was talking about, I love the little legs aswell - so delicate and dainty. 

Love the life you live, love the mugs you drink...out of.

CAN WE JUST.

Matt and Nat Trip Zip Purse in Citrus - £55

My eyes and this purse met today. 

...and I'm so glad they did. 

TO ME, LOVE ME

Only these past 2 years or so have I been fully into buying myself a birthday gift, and you know what, it genuinely feels so nice to treat yourself and know that you have that little extra something. You know yourself better than anyone, so it makes sense, right? I'm a sensible Susan; I spend within my means, so I've been thinking of potential presents from moi, to moi.

These two books have been on my amazon wishlist - amongst many others - for what feels like forever, and everytime I see someone post a photo on instagram of them, part of my heart crumbles away. I have flicked through 'How to be a parisian wherever you are' in Waterstones an unacceptable amount of times, and I just know 'Eat Pretty' is right up my street/city/world/universe (Nutrition AND Beauty. Ruddy'ell.) 

I've been itching like a 7 year old with head lice to get my hands on a high-end beauty product for some time now, and only recently did I think of Bobbi Brown. I've been a total swatch whore lately, showing a particular interest in these... 

YSL packaging is just, its just, its - just - thats all it is. Just. The product above is the YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil, its such a unique product that nourishes the lips, but gives them a lovely glowy sheen; so stripped back and minimal. But then I wonder if its too little impact on the lips in comparison to its rather sizeable impact on the purse. I also had a look at every other YSL lip product on offer over the course of the 850 times I have visited various counters, and the other collection that interested me was...

YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats - 208 in particular was giving me serious visions.

 I think I just love the idea of having such an exceedingly satisfyingly beautiful and photogenic product perched on my shelf - owning a YSL product can count as a self-achievement right?

I said to myself at the beginning of the year; 

'If I get into Uni, I'll buy myself some earrings.' (you know, ones that don't turn your lobes green.)

I didn't do it. I mean, I treated myself a bit, but I didn't get earrings. I do need earrings. But I also want another dainty necklace, because I just absolutely adore layering them, it adds such an easygoing touch to an outfit. I got one just after Christmas as a present for myself, so I guess it would be only fitting to potentially follow suit and get another one for my birthday. Tehehehehe. 

Orelia is an easily accessible brand found in Topshop and other places, it has some really delicate pieces and the prices aren't too bad either. 

And then there's this ambrosial creation. (Scandalous by Victorias Secret) I got a whiff of this when I visited Stratford back in, I think it was around February/March time, I wandered into the Victoria's Secret and dawdled over to their fragrance section. Now, I will say, its a very very sweet fragrance, not every ones cup of rosie-lee but its definitely a bit of me. Ever since the end of last year my taste in perfume has changed dramatically; from being continually drenched in anything by Marc Jacobs, to now being unable to find any joy in a bottle of Daisy. I'm all about the super sweet scents and this is just that. And I was even more sold when I read what the 'notes' were; raspberry liquer, black peony, and praline. (Its basically fruit, flowers and a box of guylian.) I mean, it sounds like a dessert right there. So divine, thou shall be mine. 

Long story short. Smelled a girl that had it on. Salivated profusely. Now I want it. 

When choosing what to get myself, I like to take into consideration things that I have wanted for a long time, but also things that I consider to be a real special treat; you know, something you wouldn't normally buy for yourself any other time of the year. Woe is me.

Lets be real, there are much worse decisions to be making. 

Nudge, nudge.

I always forget how much I love this song, and how it is one of my favourite songs - ever. On the odd occasion that I hear it, it undoubtedly strikes a chord, and the lyrics entirely speak for themselves. Its so easy to get bogged down with this and that; you have a bad day, or a bad week, for whatever reason and to whatever degree of severity, but, at the end of it all, you have to remind yourself - what really matters? 

This song will be eternally poignant, and a reminder of how important it is to simply enjoy living.

FRIDAYS INSPIRATIONS

I was browsing Daily Mail online this morn, and actually came across a little unexpected inspiration..

I absolutely am smitten with LA style, its so fresh and simple. Jessica Alba's sophisticated, yet easy breezy look personifies just that. I adore everything about this, right down to her bright pink water bottle and blue coffee cup. This look is so fun and bright, but still so enviably ladylike, even with the addition of a sweatshirt. Clubmasters, balyage, colbalt blue - Alba is fuelling me with some top class summer inspiration.

I love me some Miley, straight up. This look caught my attention because it reminded me of her style pre transformation into global megastar and eternal hot topic. I'm all about laid back, casual and comfortable, and this look is just that. I also really like the masculine vibe of the outfit, super chill with a subtle nod to that old school rocker look. It inspires me to practice not thinking too much about an outfit - I forget that the art of being effortless is to put no effort in. Duh. 

One of my major LA inspirations comes in the form of Boho goddess V-HUDGE. I found this picture on Daily Mail aswell and it inspired me in a way different to the others. Its not necessarily the most attractive photo of her, nor is she wearing something that makes me breakdown crying with envy like she normally does, but what enchants me is the beaming glow of good health and happiness in which she radiates in abundance. Her physique is inspirational, and her smile is infectious. She is currently on Broadway playing the title role in 'Gigi', I mean, she must be absolutely wrecked and yet this, to me, is not an image of a tired actress, but an image of a girl who is at the peak of her wellbeing, and who is clearly in love with her life.

It's so easy to look at celebrities simply for what they wear or the make up they put on their face, but after seeing this photo today, I have been inspired to live well and to strive to live a life I love. So, thank you V.

Effervescence is a beautiful thing. 

B'DAY PLANS 2015

 I shall be transforming into a 22 year old on the 6th of May (The Sims style, you know, where they spin and there is sparkly things and that funny noise of accomplishment and then a baby is suddenly 4 years old) and so have been lightly scouring the interwebz for outfits and places to go.

I have been thinking for a few days about what I actually want to do, because I know I don't want to be indoors - I find the thought of that really quite saddening. So, my current thoughts are to go out for my favourite meal of the day...BREAKFAST. 

I'm not much of 'go-out-and-get-smashed-on-my-birthday' type of gal, so this is a fitting and equally as exciting ideal for me! As much as I like to go and find different places in London, I think I'll stick nearby-ish in terms of where to go and am now pretty certain I have decided where it will be...

After seeing about a BAJILLION instagram posts about this place, it was about time I found a reason to go there - not that you even need one, eating is a basic human need. Conveniently, they are opening a brand new restaurant in Canary wharf 5 days before my birthday, which is relatively near to me - #TOTALWIN. It's all coming together! Lets just hope I can actually nab a table! 

Who says you cant dress up for breakfast? 

Audrey Hepburn bloody did.

Shirt dresses have been a focal point of interest for me for a little while now, I love their effortless nature and versatility. A shirt dress is the perfect compromise for this kind of outing, it really is the ultimate smart/casual combo. I know that one of them isn't a shirt dress, but, to be frank, I just really liked it and most importantly it was giving me major visions of fabulousness. All of these picks are so wearable,outfit-inspiring and actually would be really useful and, as aforementioned, versatile, additions to my wardrobe. They could easily all be worn with some immaculate white trainers, a backpack and big sunnies for a super cool day look. 

1) ASOS Shirt Dress in Pinstripe (£50)

2) MISSGUIDED Peach Skin Khaki Shift Shirt Dress (£28)

3) MISSGUIDED Suede T-shirt Mini Dress (£25)

4) ASOS Denim Shirt Dress (£40)

 Here's hoping the I am also laden with gifts of continual sunshine!