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.