12 Memorable Moments: September

It started to get quite hard in month 9 of 2014 to think of some new memorable things that are realistic and within my ever draining budget range.

I have never been a sporty person as I believe I have already stressed. And that anti-sport sorta feeling isn't just in the active sense, even watching it makes me feel a bit nauseous and never captures my attention. Whether it is the Olympics, Wimbledon, World Cup I dunno, it just doesn't really tickle my fancy. But take a lonely girl in a lonely world with a bank balance looking quite thin and throw in a friend with a passion for football and well... there you got me, I'll try anything

A week in pictures

What a week! The Christmas season is definitely in motion. Christmas light switch ons, partys, birthday celebrations and meetings galore it just seems to have flown by this week and I thought I would share with you a few pictures of my week. There were actually so many more I could have taken but here is a few I took in the moment.

End of last week we celebrated my friends birthday at the fireworks. I love getting all wrapped up in the cold and seeing a blazing fire with beautiful displays in the sky. There is something about firework night that marks the start of the festive season for me, I love it!

It's been busy busy at work this week with lots of projects underway and one of my meetings took me through Chalk Farm where I saw some awesome grafitti. I love finding little surprises like this on my average every day and really makes me feel I'm seeing more of London.

Despite the busy schedules we managed to stop and have lunch one day with one of our agencies at Pachamama in W1, a peruvian restaurant tucked away on Thayer Street. As we were a larger table we ordered one of everything from the fix menu where everything was £6 a plate. You can find the menu here but my favourites was definitely the Chicken anticuchos, charred corn (kebab style),  the Quinoq with avocado, Granny Smith, tomato, coriander vinaigrette, Short Grain rice, spring onions, roasted nuts and the Chilled prawn, onion squash, english mustard and tiger milk.  And of course, wherever I go, I have to have a cocktail and this Mama Pisco, though strong, hit the spot! How cool is the little silver pot it came in?

image from pacha mamalondon.com

I also got the exciting news I am off to Berlin in January for work. I am so excited! I love getting on a plane and jetting away and this will be my second destination I am visiting for work so I feel quite the jet setter. It is going to be during fashion week and I hope to take a few extra days to visit the city as I have never been. Does anyone have any tourist tips? It also finally means I have a reason for my Topshop Berlin tee that I have always been mocked for.

To top off a busy week every evening has been lit up with the Christmas spirits. Oxford Street has turned on its light and in all its glory brought Christmas to London with Selfridges, the mother ship, a beacon of joy to shopaholics a like. Always a great vision for the end of a long working day.

Back home, the weekend is here which means a night out with some friends. The only thing that annoys me at this time of year is the bars and clubs put up their prices. Understandable but a bit cheeky when there isn't much new yet once inside. However, they kept me sweet by giving out to the lades these venetian masks in one of my local bars. I'm always partial to a bit of glitter and it has certainly got me in the party spirit (not that I needed MUCH convincing)

Now, time to snuggle down to some X Factor and strictly before the next busy week begins!

Hope you all had a great weekend, what did you get up to? Has anyone else been to London yet for Christmas shopping?

A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous

The holy grail, the mother of the beauty ship, Coco, CHANEL.

There is something about the slick black and white branding, the glossy lids and the elegance, the prestige that gets girls hearts all over the world pounding, pennys rattling and minds slipping into endless dreaming. You just simply cannot deny the beautiful, sophisticated packaging from the iconic Chanel, whether it is a nail varnish or the out-of-reach handbags poised perfectly in the Bond Street stores.

I am not one to splash my cash on such items. Not because I don't want to but because I can't afford it whilst battling all my monthly fees; train, rent, food. Sure, I've contemplated walking from Warwickshire to London for a few months and even come close to giving up food in the cause for being fabulous. It's like once you have Chanel you are immediately accepted by some higher power in towering heels gleaming head to toe in designer. You have made it.

Well girls, its happened. The Gods have listened to me and his trusty men here on earth (ahem, my parents) have been at work. I have my very first Chanel!

12 Memorable moments: August

Just before my birthday I was whisked away to Devon by my two lovely best friends. I always hate celebrating my birthday and refuse to throw a party or acknowledge it anyway.However, this year I had one of the BEST weekends filled with shopping, dancing and....kayaking.

Yup, you heard it, Kayaking!

We were so lucky to stay in my friends house that sits just above the Estuery in the little town of Newton Ferrers which is so quaint and beautiful and have the fortunate luxury to do a bit of kayaking in her families...kayaks. (nearly said boats )

Day in the life

For a person who is a big fan of lists, loves to plan and abides to organising anything she can get her hands on I find it near to impossible to stick to a beauty cleansing regime. Also taking into the fact I have exceptionally dry skin with more than enough time to fulfil its quite frankly, in beauty world, scandalous.

Recently however I have got so sick of my dry skin. Even my  liquid foundation even forming a 'peeling' effect on my forehead, nose and quite strangely the side of my face by my ears. It is has resulted in me making the little effort I should have always made. In desperate measures, I pulled together all the countless cosmetics I have parted with my cash on recently and surprisingly have found the magic ingredients

12 memorable moments: July Take Two

July, what a dream a way that was. The sun was shining, office melting from the heatwave of  the English summer. That lasted one week, I know ok but a girl gotta paint a pretty picture!

I know its took me a long time to catch up on these memorable moments but hey, I've just been having too much fun.

Now on this lovely July day the sun was actually not shining. It was the rain making a grand entrance with torrential rain on the one day my best friends and I decide to get active.

We travelled to Woburn's Go Ape & Safari park near Milton Keynes. Fashionably late after making our way through the unaccounted Safari (which you must visit first) to get to the Go Ape we were strapped up and ready to swing amongst the rainy trees. Of course, If you ever meet me and my friends it won't surprise you in our decision to continue with the course despite the many people fleeing the route drenched head to toe.

Optimistic and hysterical with laughter I then realised what I actually had to do. Swing, from trees, high up.

Erm, yeah, I'm scared of heights did I mention that?

Dinner for one: Take one.

As a singleton living in a rented room in a family home in London there is one thing that frustrates me the most. Dinner. Walking past the aisles in supermarkets is a constant anguishment. Not only am I trying to save money but I am constantly being battled with being resourceful with my one shelf in the fridge.

If you are a singleton of some kind you may share my anger for the many 'dinner for two' meals on the shelves. Or the packs of four chicken.

See my predicament. I have one shelf in the fridge, literally. Approximately one microwaved shaped space in the freezer. I need to shop for a week but use all the contents before they go off and I've practically flushed my money down the drain. I want to be healthy and I want variety and all of this with a limited budget. I am also restricted to kitchen facilities due to my impossible (and yes ridiculous) concerns of intruding someones kitchen space (who wants to be cooking when a dinner party is going on in the same room?).

A four pack of chicken could take you far at not such a hefty fee. Lunch, 3 dinners in the week perhaps. But do I really want to be having that for 70% of my meals? Fish and steaks are expensive. Fresh fruit and veg have a decent life span but also not that cheap. The cost of eating healthy though not pocking breaking isn't as cheap as other alternatives which add pounds in other areas. Really, I am quite lazy and this needs to stop if I want to get my bikini body. I don't think it actually takes much to make this work so, I have decided from today, going forward I will make a vow. To eat a balanced diet at a reasonable budget with creative flair. I will document my efforts with you the beautiful blog reading public.

I thought I would share with you a meal I whipped up a few weeks back in acknowledgement of this new eating me.

Marks and Spencer Chicken Breast filled with Ricotta and Spinach, cous cous and salad. YUM!

Thirst

Give me a book, sun, sea and sand and I can read you an entire library. However pass me one during my day to day life when I ought to want to escape reality most, I find it hard to get inside the pages.

Recently however I was feeling the real need to get away from the hustle and bustle of London, escape the long periods of emptiness staring outside foggy windows and block out the social media scene that is saturated with uninspiring, self absorbed dramas.

I was gifted Thirst by Kerry Hudson for my birthday. The story of two people who despite their differences, their difficult pasts, fight to be together no matter what odds.

With all good intentions

Eating healthy in the midst of winter is never going to be easy. So of course, I set myself the challenge.

I don't want to loose weight as such, if anything tone up but mainly, I just want to eat healthier and live a better food lifestyle. I am a huge takeaway fan and carbs are my forte. Give me a dominoes any day and I'll be your new best friend.

As of late however I have noticed my body rebelling against my long love affair with junk food. Don't get me wrong, my tastebuds still thrive at the thought of a delicious pizza or chinese takeaway and I by no means am going to avoid them out like the plague but it seems too much fatty food is leaving me feel stodgy and greasy as when it is first served to me.

I shouldn't be complaining, this is a good thing. Its a sign my body is appreciating the times I am eating good. Its telling me to stop and to enjoy the natural food God provided this glorious land with. But, there is a problem. *Whispers ever so quietly* I am not a fan of veg.

FASHION: Shopaholic Returns

Yup, its broken - the shopping intervention. I've done it, I've window shopped! Ok, so not as bad as pulling out the purse and parting with the cash but it certainly is a step in that direction.

Even as the weather gets colder there is no escape, internet shopping is definitely getting stronger. This week, I have found these pieces that have got my heart skipping and my pennies rattling.

24.

Once a year it arrives. The big day, the celebration of birth. And a few days ago, it was mine.

Most people are filled with excitement for the occasion; merriment fills the air and friends unite for party and celebrations. It is the only day of the year you can be completely selfish and it be acceptable. But me? Nope, don't talk about it. Actually, let's avoid it all together. Without being a pessimist I just don't get it. The whole day is just one long saga of expectations and disappointment. Who wants to celebrate me anyway?

This year however my faith has been restored. Refusing for yet another year to avoid anything that would lead in disappointment a protest took place amongst my friends.

White is the new black

Recently and quite evidently to my friends, I have become completely obsessed with monochrome, again.

There is something about a strikingly crisp white that catches my eye and gets my hands itching. Matched with a pitch black - magic.

Excuse the excitement, but I did forewarn you.

Now black on bottom and white on top can really give off the office, stuffy vibe. I tried it the other weekend and it didn't work. But, match it with some quirky white shoes and the look is way more exciting.

I 'happened' to stroll through Selfridges the other night past the Topshop section and instantly fell in love with numerous of their pieces in which resulted in me creating this Topshop Monochrome mood board. I've been desperate for a summer, smart jacket and this white blazer was perfect - great cut, quality weight, smart, fitted and clean white. At £48 I thought this was a great price in which my bank balance will have to agree.

The shoes was an adventurous try on and I was really surprised how light weight and slimming they were. £46 is normally more than I spend on shoes, I'm quite tight with shoe spend but these are definitely are on the wish list.

A skort is my new go-to for nights out and I have this in white and LOVE IT. I would definitely invest another £38. I am loving the sports luxe look with this tee (£14) and a dark, smoky eye is always my night look with flirty lace (£22). The rucksack, well, it was just perfect for my monochrome obsession (but expensive at £100).

Oh a girl can dream...

Work hard, play hard.

I had the amazing opportunity to visit Switzerland last week for work and I had to share some photos. Please note: no filters neccessary.

The trip began flying into Zurich in which my college and I made our way by train to our company's home, Ibach-Schwyz. Before even getting off the plane, though sleepy, we were immediately buzzing with excitement at our first work trip abroad. 

The views on the train (double decker trains - cool!) were simply refreshing compared to humid, smoggy London we had just left behind. Typical Swiss, large roofed chateau's with shuttered windows sat on mountainsides surrounded in lush green countryside. Lakes occupied the other window view with mountains as high as the clouds, dusted with snow at the peaks. Someone pass me a canvas and oil quick!

After a quick few tourist snaps at the train station we were whisked to the office for a day of meetings and a tour.  Retreating to the hotel, we tried to hide our over excited faces pulling up at the hotel that faced this beautiful lake, Lake Lucern.

Entering my bedroom I was allowed to let loose of my professional demeanour - it was quite frankly like a scene out of pretty woman. Having not been on holiday in a  while you may understand my sheer excitement...

Plump pillows decorated the large double bed and the bathroom was filled with brand new packaged compliments. I jumped up and down at the thought of staying at such an amazing room all to myself for two nights.

Next, the most amazing view I have ever seen came into sight as I flung open the balcony doors. A squeal exited my mouth followed by what one might envisage as some crazy snoopy dance and unflattering jumping.

Mountains hugged either side of the crystal blue Lake Lucern at Brunnen, my cast ironed balcony sat in front of the spectacular view with a terrace just below. Lush green and red floral plants decorated umbrellas and fairy lights where people dined for the evening. The clouds sat high: fluffy and white with the whole view holding this clear yet poignant blue aura. I felt like I was in a movie, Lord of the Rings without the hobbits and magical creatures. A real sense of zen was in the air.

Rushing down to take in the views at land level my colleague and I waked down to this open green area where perfectly formed trees decorated the river walk with strangely a 'Miami' vibe. This openness was incredible with more mountains in the distance. Everything was so peaceful, calm, I felt like I had arrived in paradise and quite honestly, I didn't expect it to be in Switzerland.

That afternoon, the work shift was nothing to complain about. Sat on the balcony with a traditional English Tea, laptop and a view even my screen saver couldn't compete with I thought: 'Life is good.'

It can be so refreshing to escape reality for a little while and enjoy natures greatest. I am incredibly lucky to have such opportunities, to work for such a generous company and one that is situated in such a beautiful part of the world.

Next to clear waters and watching sunsets it really helped get my inner zen. (Zen being my new favourite word).

Sadly I didn't get chance to explore much due to work commitments but anyone looking for a mini break to get away - Brunnen, Switzerland is the place to go.

12 Memorable Moments: June

June saw the unthinkable. The unimaginable. Minds boggled at hearing what I had chosen for June's memorable moment.

The Wolf Run.

The Wolf Run is a 10K off road obstacle course that is made of man made and natural obstacles and....a lot of mud.

Now anyone that knows me knows that this is obserd. I am not the sportiest person out there. Infact, I only went to my first and last sports day out of pure dislike for anything competitive.  May I add, running is a particular dislike of mine. Now, I have warmed to it in the more recent years, done a little jog here and there but honestly, I just can't do it.

In a moment of spontaneity (and optimism) my friend and I signed up for the Wolf Run. For a little taste, watch the video below.

June soon came around and after a failed attempt at training due to a mixture of laziness, busy schedule and well lets face it, fear the day was soon upon us. Pushing to the back of my mind the fact I could barely complete 4 miles two days before, I went energetic.

People go as 'packs' (yes a witty pun on The Wolf Run title) and you are then put into time slots. We watched all the packs before us in fear. I remember thinking, why are they already walking? as I watched people slowly emerge from the first obstacle, a river.

After a warm up session with the coaches I was already concerned about what was ahead. But too late we were running and jumping into the river. I emerged, shell shocked at the weight of the water pulling me back down and looked up to find my friends already out screaming at me to come on.

Lets be honest, I had it coming.

I have no fitness capability and no upper body strength which was tested at the next hurdle of jumping over some big tractor wheels. My calves were pulled as I yanked my leg out of sinking mud and trembled as I watched people loose their shoes under the swap.

Drinking water wasn't in sight until half way and I have never been so happy to see little white cups filled with clear H20 (and an excuse to stop without looking like the unfit one of the pack).

Moving swiftly on I remember being faced with a wall that I had to climb not long after yet another muddy meeting. The wall only had two slots for your feet. The wall was made up of curved wooden poles and was covered in mud from the previous obstacle making it impossible to get any grip. No upper body strength and a fear of heights I thought I really had met 'the wall'. My friends soon helped me up and after balancing on top of what felt like bloody mount everest when you are afraid of heights I dropped down and high fived my friends with immense happiness. It really spurs you on knowing you are achieving something and you have the support of everyone around you.

The middle section got easier. admittedly I was still pretty awful but I was running more than I ever had before and was just getting on with it. It's hard running through all the mud when you are slipping all over the place trying not to twist your ankle. Even if I finished 5 hours later, I wanted to finish.

Other obstacles included a water slide where everyone jumped head first and dodged the camera man who conveniently stood in the middle of the track to film you. More mud appeared, rivers, climbing walls, hay bales and fields that seemed to stretch far further.

When it came to the end I started to feel 'the wall' again but told myself, this is a race for myself (what all losers say haha). I stopped when I needed to and pushed myself when I could.

Unfortnately there is noway you can take pictures on the way round. People lost shoes so I don't think my Samsung Galaxy would have made the cut.

Finishing was a feeling I haven't felt for ages. Wading through the last river hand in hand with my friends seeing the finish line was so amazing. I can certainly remember the adrenaline rush I felt for the rest of the day, the pure sense of achievement and overwhelming happiness. I definitely should have trained more but knowing what I had just endured was incredible.

I can honestly say this was the best memorable moment yet. We finished in just over 2 hours and for someone who could barely complete 4 miles before is an amazing achievement. Make it all better I raised £220 for Help For Heroes, a charity I really think help makes a difference. Despite the moments I thought I would never finish, was up to my waist in mud, sat at the top of a wall fearing I would break my neck and all bumps and bruises , I will always remember it as a great experience.

It has really highlighted to me what you can do with just a little fitness and what I could achieve if I had and do do more. It really is something everyone must experience and as for Team Wild....WE DID IT!

Twelve memorable moments: April Part Two

HELLO APRIL
The end of April took me out of the country (HURRAH!)

I can't tell you the last time I got on a plane it was that long ago. I don't know what I was more excited about at this stage, just the thought of rolling my suitcase through the airport and handing over my passport was just too damn exciting.

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. I WENT TO FLORENCE!

The trip came about in celebration of my Mums birthday in February. I wanted to experience a new city, discover and my Mum, well she was up for the same. A Birthday is always a good excuse of a city break, right?

So, everyone tells you  Florence is beautiful, to quote: 'The whole city is a museum'.

And isn't it just.

READY, SET, GO.
I  was so busy at work prior the trip I barely had time to think about anything to do with the break. Which actually for me, was a good thing. I had no expectations which meant everything was a surprise.

A short bus ride from the airport we trailed our suitcases through the city centre. I couldn't believe it when suddenly we came across The Duomo  - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the centre. I wasn't expecting it and it definitely didn't disappoint. The architecture is incredible. Here and throughout everywhere I visited in Florence I found it impossible to get my head around how old these statues and buildings were and the level of detail, the exceptional craft. That yes, people had created these.

A PLACE TO REST ONES HEAD.
Leaving the proper tourist snoop until the next morning we headed to our B&B. Right in the centre we were so incredibly lucky with our choice of stay. Literally a stones throw away we were situated next to Florence's most famous square and open air sculpture exhibit,  Piazza della Sinoria and the local town hall,  Palazzo Vecchio. The square was also filled with delicious Italian restaurants that we took full advantage of and lit up the square magically in the evening.

Our B&B was amazing. Camouflaged into the square, you wouldn't even know it existed with a door blending into the old buildings. Inside, stone stair cases lead up to our room. Though the lack of a lift was tiring on the arms and legs lugging up my overpack suitcase it added to the charm of the inn that homed us for our stay.

The room was amazing for the price we paid. A beautiful bathroom on it's own level with a wardrobe with steps leading down to the bedroom which was spacious and beautifully decorated. We even had a sofa in the room to kick back and relax. The breakfast was another amazing bonus. Situated in a small dining room the mix of fresh fruit, croissants, parma ham, cheese and fruit juices layed out on a dinning table. This idea originally wasn't too my taking but it was actually lovely to sit with other guests which was only another two people at a time. Looking back at all other holidays, what is the fun in sitting isolated to your own pack when you can learn more about other people?

The staff were brilliant. Offering hot drinks and discreetly replenishing the breakfast on offer they chatted and offered great advice for our short stay in the city, even if all the places sounded the same...

DAY ONE.
We visited Galleria dell' Academia on our first full day which houses Michelangelo's David and many other incredible paintings and sculptures. I'll admit, I don't hunt out this type of art on a daily basis, its not really been my thing. But I do believe, you can't help but appreciate it all no matter what you are into. The craftsmanship as I mentioned earlier is just, captivating. Sadly, no photos are allowed, so you will just have to go and experience it all for yourself. (Oh, what a shame).

We continued our first day by leisurely walking through the amazing leather markets on offer. It took us a while to find them which seems crazy as when you are there as there is so much going on but somehow it seemed tucked away which makes Florence so beautiful.

One minute a grand Cathedral, next deserted backstreets with graffiti and then markets full tourists and local shoppers.

Of course I shopped and purchases included some amazing jewellery, scarves and later in the trip some leather bounded notebooks which were stamped with the Fleur de Lis and a few leather bracelets. Im not into the whole key chain thing anymore, I want quality and things I will actually use. And for the record, the myth is true, it is pretty expensive. I mean, when I was there I thought I was getting a good price but looking back, it wasn't as cheap as I thought...oops!

Swap city cinemas and instead we saw the sunset on Florence that evening. Walking to the top of what seems Florence highest point we took in Florence's beautiful skyline in all its glory.

DAY TWO.
Our final full day was at The Duomo where we waited for 3 hrs 30 mins in a line to get to the top. YES. OVER 3 HOURS! Just before closing time too which was 1pm that day. All I'm saying is, for their own sanity, they are glad they let us in...

500 + steps later, I won't lie, the view was spectacular. Looking over the city with the bell tower of the cathedral below, it was a sea of terracotta and quaint streets with hidden gems. On the way up to the top you take an unexpected trip around the top of the inside of the Duomo. It was incredible to see the paintings that were on the top of the dome. Literally, I just can't imagine describe and no pictures justify, it is a must to see.

Our final evening in Florence took us a walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Again, another amazing view. A little history lesson for you....The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 and was Florence's first bridge across the Arno River. Visiting in 2014 it is as beautiful as I expect it was when first built with beautiful terracotta shaded houses decorating the river.

The bridge itself houses quaint jewellery shops which walking across reminded me of something out of Harry Potter. Now that seems quite a 'wrong' statement but with the hustle and bustle and music being played in the street and glittering jewellery in the windows whilst the sun is setting, I hope you know I mean the more sophisticated Harry Potter scene...

BACK TO REALITY.
A flight back to the UK with a plane, two trains and a car journey that total journey took 8 hours its hard to imagine Florence is still ticking away in all its glory. Coming back to the countryside with my Dads chickens clucking away, though beautiful in its own way, it makes Florence feel like a dream

I think as memorable moments go, this is going to be hard to beat.