tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87536673088701209512024-03-13T19:46:43.755-07:00The Textile InternA lifestyle blogger filling these pages with food, fitness, fashion, design and fun findings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-54786222177825171832015-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:002015-02-19T10:00:33.798-08:00Discovering Our Higher Selves<div>
<br /></div>
Good evening!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am having a bed day today in order to recover for our Fashion Show tomorrow (note to self: do a post on work updates). It hasn't been completely lazy as there is nothing that makes me feel better then getting my yogi groove on! So this morning I did a yoga stretch sequence and then ate a big nourishing breakfast filled with plenty of vitamins. As I am in bed there is nothing I'd rather do then do some writing, so here I am typing away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, thats enough blabber. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My yoga journey has opened my mind to self healing, healing the body using nourishing food, meditation and spiritualism. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plenty of people may have a laugh at things like this, but the one thing these things are teaching me about the mind, body and spirit, giving me self acceptance, as well as teaching me who I truly am and want to be. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I recently purchased a book called '<i>The Book of Chakra Healing' </i>and thought we could explore the book together, giving you a run down on the knowledge Liz Simpson shares.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First things first..</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Spirit of Energy</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
What I have learned from this chapter:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>There are seven major chakras</li>
<li>Chakras are metaphysically linked to the systems of the body</li>
<li>In order for chemical action to take place, a change in electromagnetic energy of the body must occur, this energy is from the mind, explaining the link between the mind and the body for total health, physically, mentally and emotionally. </li>
<li>The endocrine system is the bodies main control mechanism, responsible for hormones, thus maintaining parametres for optimal health.</li>
<li>If the nervous system and endocrine system are disturbed in either part, it will lead to malfunction.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The seven major Chakras</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Adrenals - Root (1st) Chakra - needed for physical survival </li>
<li>Ovaries/Testes - Secral (2nd) Chakra - emotional balance and sexuality </li>
<li>Pancreas - Solar Plexus (3rd) Chakra - for digestion </li>
<li>Thymus - Heart (4th) Chakra - stimulates general growth and purifies through production of lymphocytes, scientists recognise that auto-immune diseases (the immune system attacks its own proteins, mistaking them for foreign substance) have an emotional link and not simply due to physical and environmental causes.</li>
<li>Thyroid/Parathyroid - Throat (5th) Chakra - linked to all forms of communication, corresponding the balance between the rational, cerebral approach and emotional expression of the heart.</li>
<li>Pituitary - Third Eye (6th) Chakra - influences growth, metabolism and body chemistry, while also having a strong connection with birth and motherhood. </li>
<li>Pineal - Crown (7th) Chakra - the control centre for the function of our physical, emotional and mental selves.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The Sushumna</b></div>
<ul>
<li>The sushumna is the vertical column which the seven chakras are located.</li>
<li>The sushumna channels energy from the Universal Life Force from the Crown and Root Chakras.</li>
<li>The journey of the chakras upward through the sushumna is s spoken in terms of Kundalini rising (serpent goddess), who travels through the root chakra to the crown.</li>
<li>The ultimate goal of the chakras is to find the higher self. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>The human aura</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>A steady flow of energy through the chakra system, ensures a healthy aura.</li>
<li>A halo of bright, multi-coloured light around the physical self.</li>
<li>The body is a field of energy. </li>
<li>There is two primary electrical system in the physical body.</li>
<li>The first electrical system is the alternating current of the nervous system and brain, which governs our muscles, hormones and physical sensations. The second is a continuous electromagnetic radiation coming off our atoms, allowing for energy exchange between individuals and their environment. </li>
<li>Each person has a unique energy field, accessed from a Universal Life force, "prank", or "chi". </li>
<li>The energy is drawn to the body through each chakra and transformed into a quality, sense and emotional correlate. </li>
<li>If there is a blockage of energy it will effect our whole function. </li>
<li>While DNA preserves our genetic code, the transmitting bioelectromagnetic field can modify it. </li>
<li>Scientists and ancient healers believe that the aura holds the key to a persons physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states.</li>
<li>By maintaining a smooth flow of energy through our chakras, by freeing ourselves of mental or emotional traumas, we pre-empt the onset of physical dis-ease. </li>
</ul>
<div>
(All above information is re-worded from Liz Simpson's book '<i>The Book of Chakra Healing'</i>)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a bit of information that has so far been outlined in the book. I find reading about this all quite interesting, and typing it out to you all helps me remember the information better, so I am sorry if it has all been a bit boring for you. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I think it is good to learn and grow, keeping an open mind to all types of beliefs and forms of finding our higher selves, whether you are finding yourself through sport, music or art, I believe that yoga, meditation and spiritual understanding is my form of finding and accepting myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you want to continue to delve into this book with me, great...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Welcome aboard!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-80386820607360448682015-02-07T11:57:00.003-08:002015-02-07T12:00:14.508-08:00A Great British Day<br />
This post has been waiting in the queue of my 'to do' blog posts since I have been back in London..<br />
<br />
Yes, you know it.. its another food report.<br />
<br />
Ok, so we all know I am a self confessed foodie, and it tends to be healthy, natural, organic produce that I rant and rave about.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
I have in the most recent months come to know balance.<br />
<br />
To many of you this may be a standard meal.. to me, a huge challenge.<br />
<br />
Deep.. Fried... Fish & Chips.<br />
<br />
In the summer months I tried to tackle my un-healthy orthorexic fears and challenged myself to a Fish & Chips in a restaurant called The Church in Chester.. it is fair to say this ended in a huge meltdown. Embarrassing to say the least, I know to most people you must be thinking, "How on earth can food cause someone to have anxiety and a mental breakdown?!" But until you have walked a day in someones shoes who hasn't let anything<b> fried</b> (and in<b> batter</b>), pass there lips in near enough a year.. if not more, something so small suddenly becomes so big. Why eat it then? You may ask... well the fact a piece of food would cause me to have a panic attack.. is the exact reason why I decided to challenge myself.<br />
<br />
I was once a girl who would get hangry if someone had a bigger portion then her, who stated that Chinese was her favourite food, anything fried just meant extra delicious, carbs was her middle name, and veggie patties & cheese on toast was a standard snack.<br />
<br />
Of course, I love being healthy, it makes me feel re-juvinated, energetic and happy. I barely crave anything considered un-healthy. I could easily become a raw-vegan and would get an A* in the raw till four diet. However, the matter of fact is that these <i>fears </i>towards food are not normal, so until I do not fear food my veganism fantasy of becoming an at one with nature gypsy gal, who attracts animals to the windows when she sings and has mice and birds help her create her latest fashion collections, is on hold.<br />
<br />
In Australia I tackled fish from a chippy, but only ever opted for grilled fish.<br />
<br />
In London I decided to go for "ding, ding, ding", round 2.<br />
<br />
May I present to you..<br />
<br />
Poppies Fish & Chip shop, just off Brick Lane and opposite Spitalfields market.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEfLuqI0tY8/VNZr745W6wI/AAAAAAAAA44/DhuN7inWpRk/s1600/10552509_10205501724081936_3472857020591349456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEfLuqI0tY8/VNZr745W6wI/AAAAAAAAA44/DhuN7inWpRk/s1600/10552509_10205501724081936_3472857020591349456_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This place is always jam packed whenever I walked past.<br />
<br />
So I thought... "If I am going to do this, I might as well make sure it is from the <b>best</b> fish and chip shop in the area".<br />
<br />
Pop has recreated East End London in 1945 and 1955. You can dine in or dine out with a newspaper styled chip shop box to take away.<br />
<br />
The staff are stylishly dressed in quirky hats and aprons, and the interior is decorated to match, with juke boxes and an old school diner feel, a true taste of the mid 1900's.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I don't have a pic of this.. so you will have to visit to experience!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c4yT0oKl6k/VNZsD30I1EI/AAAAAAAAA5A/3JKmnBVSDnk/s1600/10801984_10205501724361943_1605939387235069127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c4yT0oKl6k/VNZsD30I1EI/AAAAAAAAA5A/3JKmnBVSDnk/s1600/10801984_10205501724361943_1605939387235069127_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I visited Poppies with my mum, as you can see one fish is not fried. This was me. Guilty. But we didn't want to purchase 2 fried for me to not like and then go hungry. So I safely ordered a grilled fish, mum ordered fried. We decided that if I liked mums we would halve... and guess what.. I loved!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rzMQF8K5xk/VNZsEGwa0lI/AAAAAAAAA5E/dBh6cn9Ay54/s1600/10888948_10205501724481946_7628756028830449444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rzMQF8K5xk/VNZsEGwa0lI/AAAAAAAAA5E/dBh6cn9Ay54/s1600/10888948_10205501724481946_7628756028830449444_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we ended up halving our fish and sharing, we also got mushy peas and of course tartar sauce and ketchup to make it a truly British affair.. along with a squeeze of lemon and cracked pepper to top the fish, and vinegar for the chips. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mum also got a beer, while I got a sparkling water (if you don't know i have been T Total for a few years now). However, pretty jealous of the glass mums beer was served in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would completely recommend Poppies if you ever find yourself in the East End of London.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And don't hesitate to go <b>fried</b>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-18002358800683482022015-01-31T13:31:00.000-08:002015-01-31T13:32:21.354-08:00Day 7 - Bakasana Practice<br />
So it is day 7 of the Bakasana (Crow pose) practice..<br />
<br />
I hope you have been practising every day,<br />
<br />
I managed to squeeze an extra 10 minutes of Yoga practice in my day to focus on my crow pose.<br />
<br />
I know it still isn't there yet, but I have seen improvements in my posture and length of time I could hold this arm balance for.<br />
<br />
The biggest thing I noticed was how important it is to engage you core, the more I did this the longer my posture could be stabilised.<br />
<br />
So here is my day 7 photo's. Let's keep practising are foundations of Yoga and we will be ultimate Yogi's in no time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhfV3_PL3oU/VM0dst_7xDI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rHSS_6xKRAI/s1600/10410191_10205755312181480_8001142495612557891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhfV3_PL3oU/VM0dst_7xDI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rHSS_6xKRAI/s1600/10410191_10205755312181480_8001142495612557891_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8-eKxGEX5o/VM0duyBqq4I/AAAAAAAAA4k/0CYadgktkbE/s1600/1625705_10205755277060602_7708931812171163304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8-eKxGEX5o/VM0duyBqq4I/AAAAAAAAA4k/0CYadgktkbE/s1600/1625705_10205755277060602_7708931812171163304_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking at these photos I can also see where I need to improve (note to self: KEEP FINGERS SPREAD AND FLAT)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I have also come a long way, getting a better posture: more lifted, and showing more stability on my arms. Because I gained better balance I could hold the posture longer. This is just after a week of practice. I hope to perfect this one soon! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any suggestions for our next Yoga challenges? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thinking of keeping it simple with Tolasana or Vasisthasana.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-9786470644860925672015-01-24T05:58:00.000-08:002015-01-24T05:58:44.207-08:00Becoming a Yogi<br />
It was on my New Years resolution post that I wanted to become a fully fledged Yogi..<br />
<br />
Admittedly I am not practising Yoga as much as I hope to yet, however have been following Yoga with Adriene videos on YouTube, which I usually do on the weekends as my body is still feeling chronically fatigued during the week days, but thankfully I can slowly feel my self becoming more awake and self aware once again, when I feel comfortable with my body again I will hopefully start practising my Yogi moves during the week as well.<br />
<br />
Ok so I have done the occasional Yoga class in the past, but never really ventured into all of the foundations of yoga, (WARNING: remove all rude thoughts now) of course I have done the occasional downward dog, it is pretty much the move you will be guaranteed to learn at any Yoga class.. but my interest is in the contortion of Yoga, therefore I embarked on learning my first more challenging move this morning, Crow Pose.<br />
<br />
This move will strengthen your wrists, forearms and abdomen, while improving your balance.<br />
<br />
It is my challenge to practise this move for 10 minutes every day for a week, taking a day 1 and day 7 photograph to see the progression.<br />
<br />
Feel free to join along and post your photographs too, which you can do over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetextileintern?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or tweet me at <a href="https://twitter.com/SSC_x" target="_blank">@SSC_x</a><br />
<br />
Here is the video I learnt from today:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DgvjvwPGLPY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The Basics:</b><br />
<br />
- Bring flat palms and feet close together, bending them, while keeping back and chest elevated.<br />
- Place one knee on the upper arm, followed by the other.<br />
- Press your weight into the heel of your hand.<br />
- Lean slightly forward, keeping gaze forward as well.<br />
<br />
Oh and remember, the falling crow is one of most important steps toward mastering your Crow Pose, you have to try to perfect.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 1 Photographs:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjP28o47G3Q/VMOkaUKzAxI/AAAAAAAAA4M/YJdf6iEUcgo/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjP28o47G3Q/VMOkaUKzAxI/AAAAAAAAA4M/YJdf6iEUcgo/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc-gw80ohbQ/VMOkagnrGnI/AAAAAAAAA4E/JkrIoM3z-x4/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc-gw80ohbQ/VMOkagnrGnI/AAAAAAAAA4E/JkrIoM3z-x4/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0kV0iEmVo/VMOhvVZffpI/AAAAAAAAA3w/wApjmag4r1k/s1600/10383905_10205704568752926_4531323887266098908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0kV0iEmVo/VMOhvVZffpI/AAAAAAAAA3w/wApjmag4r1k/s1600/10383905_10205704568752926_4531323887266098908_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Cr41hH_Q4/VMOhx3s2oOI/AAAAAAAAA34/L4YyS5ItC-Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-24%2Bat%2B13.43.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Cr41hH_Q4/VMOhx3s2oOI/AAAAAAAAA34/L4YyS5ItC-Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-24%2Bat%2B13.43.59.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think you can already see the development in these photographs after a few practices!<br />
<br />
Excited for my Yogi adventure now!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Namaste</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>x</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-91301347183534427862015-01-18T05:21:00.000-08:002015-01-18T05:34:47.834-08:00WILD THING<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Good afternoon Sunday readers,</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> I have a quick update for you...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Started a new internship 2 weeks ago.. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is going well..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I only have 2 weeks left..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I am back to being the <i>'New Girl' </i>again..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another day, another internship..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sending my anxiety through the roof of, will it be a good one? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope so..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am there for 5 months.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, all things aside, I met up with my favourite London gal pal yesterday to talk fashion, life, food and futures.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to go for lunch to a place that has been on our foodies bucket list for a good long while now called Wild Food Cafe. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The building was picturesque, with brick work that was so orderly you wouldn't believe, old fashioned and somewhat Parisian style blue window frames, surrounded by neat greenery and pretty florals. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wQXZeOQL8/VLuzGjv8zKI/AAAAAAAAA3U/C1pyOh20j7o/s1600/10914498_653305088109510_1322372705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wQXZeOQL8/VLuzGjv8zKI/AAAAAAAAA3U/C1pyOh20j7o/s1600/10914498_653305088109510_1322372705_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This beautiful building is in the perfect London location of the magical Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The food is colourful, fresh, raw, vegan/vegetarian and created using playful innovation that will be sure to satisfy your hunger queues with not so guilty meals and puds!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is no denying the menu had me wanting to go tapas and order everything.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was initially drawn to the Ayervedic Salad of:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>'organic lamb lettuce and wild rocket topped with amaranth, courghetti spaghetti, hijiki seaweed, slices of artichoke hearts & avocado, cucumber & red pepper cubes, finished off with coriander, rocket & parsely pesto, mango salsa, activated savory seeds flavoured with leafy greens and spices, and marinated shiitake mushrooms.'</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/wildfoodcafe/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUKiru9VJgU/VLu0tDi17FI/AAAAAAAAA3g/lr3sYoXtp6s/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-18%2Bat%2B13.26.41.png" height="640" width="636" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, I pretty much live for salads, therefore I thought trying something more unusual would be the best option.. as good as this looks and sounded.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My next temptations were the:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I Love Ewe:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>'unpasteurised Neal’s Yard dairy sheep cheese, caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, gherkins & tomato sandwich.'</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">The Wild Pizza:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>'raw, dairy-free young coconut cheeze, wild sea purslane & basil pesto, raw cultured tomato & goji berry marinara, Turkish olives, artichoke hearts, avocado.'</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">The Wild Burger:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">'scrumtious shiitake, raw olive & dulse burger with in-house cultured Wild Sauce, tomatillo salsa verde, caramelised onions, baba ganoush & crispy gem lettuce in a wholemeal sprouted organic wheat bread.'</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The Wild Falafel:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>'organic pistachio, olive & coriander superfood falafel balls, sprouted chickpea hummus, baba-ganoush, sprouted quinoa tabouleh, red pepper dressing, tahini sauce.'</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">In the end I opted for the Wild Falafel and Rosie chose the Wild Burger.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmt8KkTIT3k/VLuy-0b1v9I/AAAAAAAAA3M/UAKAebDfJJ8/s1600/10929074_10205658152712554_8237970448137994922_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmt8KkTIT3k/VLuy-0b1v9I/AAAAAAAAA3M/UAKAebDfJJ8/s1600/10929074_10205658152712554_8237970448137994922_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Of course I am going to be honest with you here, we don't know if we just made the wrong choices or we would of thought this whatever the choice.. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The food was delicious, but not worth the money with both our lunch orders coming to around £13 each. The portions were pretty small for the price, but I guess organic and healthy food like this generally tends to be more expensive. The food tasted great, but it wasn't mind blowing like you would hope for a £13 </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">wrap. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Either way the food was good but I don't think I would order the same thing, I would however definitely go again.. maybe when money isn't so tight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Feeling slightly disappointed by the lunch mains due to how much this place was hyped up, we decided to go all in and share a dessert as these looked doubtful to disappoint! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We decided to ask which was the dessert that is most recommended to a newbie at Wild Food, we were told to go for the Raw Chocolate Tart:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>'our most popular dessert. Creamy & smooth thick layer of chocolate superfood heaven on a firm crust of organic almonds, figs, dates and coconut chips.'</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlZKsFRdPP0/VLuy3pORXEI/AAAAAAAAA3E/xNrZmaIx7tw/s1600/10923594_10205658173633077_347230364426855774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlZKsFRdPP0/VLuy3pORXEI/AAAAAAAAA3E/xNrZmaIx7tw/s1600/10923594_10205658173633077_347230364426855774_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">This was delicious. We had wished we had just visited indulging in an array of desserts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The mousey, chocolatey, gooeyness, just melted in your mouth and the base provided a filling soft but crunchy end to the delectable mouthful. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Ok so if you are reading this and you haven't already cracked open your treat jar.. now is the time to run to the kitchen and satisfy your cravings, writing this post sure had my belly rumbling! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Time for a Sunday of Homeland, lunch prepping, chocolate and church. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">See you next week, hope you have all had a lovely weekend. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oh and if you are in London be sure to go and treat yourself to some Wild Food! Nothing like guilt free cakes. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-25835767115330948702015-01-10T05:42:00.000-08:002015-01-10T05:43:15.737-08:00WELCOME TO 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JL40efJpau8/VLEr_vJQ7nI/AAAAAAAAA2o/gYhDhPI_t7A/s1600/yogi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JL40efJpau8/VLEr_vJQ7nI/AAAAAAAAA2o/gYhDhPI_t7A/s1600/yogi.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry it has been awhile, I have been a busy bee, but no1 on this list will be to get back into the swing of things. Ironically in the past I would have made a list of 'New Years Resolutions', and yes like most people, this list would be made one day and forgotten the next. The ironic thing here, is that in 2014 I stuck to my New Years resolutions of working out more, eating healthy produce and drinking more water. My 2014 resolutions all sounded great but predictable, little did I know these resolutions that most of us admittedly make every year turned my life upside down, as you can probably gather from the last post I made. So before you make your list for 2015, really think about it. Yes, most people probably won't spiral into the whirlwind my mind created, but one thing 2015 should really be about is happiness, why feel guilty about not working out or eating that piece of cake, a healthy body isn't just a one man show, it needs a healthy mind to accompany it. 2015 is about balance, self love and acceptance for me. If you hate running, why put it on your New Years resolutions list to hit the treadmill 5 days a week, not only are you setting yourself up for a fail, you are not spending your time doing things you love. I found there was a lot of sadness in 2014, not just for myself, but for others, many deep and upsetting events in the world took place, it makes you realise that you only have that one life and doing little things everyday, like the passing smile to a stranger, ok might freak them out, but also might brighten their day, you never know what someone else could be going through. 2014's had many traumatic events for the world, and with the sadness that this week took place in France, we are not making a very good start, but its in times of trouble that you see how us as beings can really pull together and support one another. I am hoping 2015 is the year of conquering demons and overcoming hardships.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in my list you won't see me striving to work out, cut out food types, and up my water intake any more (water is good, but if I drank anymore my whole day would be spent on the toilet, TMI?):<br />
<br />
1. Consistant blogging.<br />
<br />
2. Get more organised - make good use of my Filofax 2015 refills!<br />
<br />
3. Work hard, making the most of my internships to hopefully startup a network of freelance work ready for graduation.<br />
<br />
4. Explore more, I live in London right now and could only tell you about the tube stations I have been too.<br />
<br />
5. Read more books. Kindle at the ready!<br />
<br />
6. Become a Yogi. No, not Yogi the Bear, Yogi is the term used for "one who is adept in Yoga" (courtesy of The Free Dictionary .com). I have done the occasional bit of Yoga here and there, but I really want to pursue it further, I notice how Yoga makes my body feel relaxed and rejuvenated, it definitely makes a difference to my day.<br />
<br />
7. Further my religious journey.<br />
<br />
8. Keep in better contact with loved ones. I haven't been the easiest person to get in contact with since becoming an unpaid working woman. I want to speak to my nearest and dearest (friends and family) more often now I am apart from everyone, even if its just a text.<br />
<br />
9. Meditate. This goes hand in hand with me becoming a fully fledged Yogi. Whether it is on my walk to work or before I go to sleep, 10 minutes of Meditation a day has been proven to be a worthy source of medication and transform many peoples lives, while also being something many successful people do day-to-day, check out this article in the<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/05/business-meditation-executives-meditate_n_3528731.html" target="_blank"> Huffington</a>.<br />
<br />
10. Aim for no less then 7 hours of sleep a day, strive for 8-9 hours. Sleep is a vital part of healthy living, I recommend listening to this - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJK-dMlATmM" target="_blank">TED Talks video</a>, it proposes some interesting facts and theories. <br />
<br />
Let's hope I stick to these resolutions this year, I think they will be the secret for my happy 2015.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-76009492385463186452014-10-25T22:39:00.003-07:002014-10-25T22:49:50.458-07:00My Body Is Amazing<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Hi, howdy, hello, aloha. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Sorry I haven't posted as recently these days, I am still here guys bare with me. I have been concentrating on myself a lot these past couple of weeks, focusing on my mental health and happiness. During mid-September I posted a blogpost called '<a href="http://thetextileintern.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/the-anti-model-series.html" target="_blank">The Anti Model Series</a>', In hope to basically follow up that series (that honestly had not really begun) I present to you.. My Body Is Amazing. I would also like to bring attention to <a href="http://www.thenuproject.com/" target="_blank">The Nu Project</a>, I would say don't click on the link if you are very young as things are a little naked (literally this time) but i believe that targeting a younger audience may prove successful in helping all ages accept there bodies and love every bulge, wrinkle and curve, ultimately proving that not every woman is what you see as you flick through the pages of a high-end glossy magazine. I think the Nu Project is just great and the photography is stunning, so everyone… click on <a href="http://www.thenuproject.com/" target="_blank">this link</a> now to reveal REAL women.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
To compliment my Anti-Model series and my revaluation of the Nu Project, I have decided to do another positive '#', after the lovely feedback from my #ProjectBareAll post inspired by Thumbelina Lillie. I am also a huge fan of the 5 minute journal and daily things to be thankful for tags that are floating around so much recently which link well to all these positive vibes - I think this Aussie way of life is going to rub off on me massively, I am definitely planning on coming back to the UK a laid-back, peace loving, gypsy skirt wearing hippy, spreading positivity, flowers and all things righteous across London and the valleys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
On a more personal note this tag will encourage my journey to health as well as anyone else struggling right now.. the hashtag of course is #MyBodyIsAmazing, vein? nope. Food and calories have consumed my life for far to long, now I am ready to fight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>My story.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
I mentioned awhile a go that one day I will tell my story, why I keep referring to things as "repair my health and happiness" ect. As I have been absent awhile, I feel like I should let you somewhat in. Today I will not let it all out completely (as I am still have a huge battle ahead of me), I also don't want to bore you with my sob story. So let's make things a little more exciting. I will give you a run down…. Disney style. (p.s. I have slightly tweaked the story, but you will catch my drift)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Once upon a time, in a land far, far, away, lived a girl called Sueliana </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She had a loving family, with a mother for a best friend. This happy little family, lived in a oldy-worldy snug in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside. Sueliana loved dancing and could occasionally be spotted twirling through the fields, surrounded by flowers of all walks of life. However, Suelianas one true passion was art, splashing paint wherever she went, it wasn't hard to find her.. you'd just follow the colourful road. One day a terrible Ogar, known as Oglan, broke into the cosy, tucked away snug, only to find little old Sueliana twirling her pencil around her hair. There was a Prince due in town, he was looking for a Princess, before Oglan rudely interrupted Sueliana was busy planning the punchy colours for the romantic illustrations she was about to create for the prince's arrival. Oglan upset Sueliana, convincing her she was not good enough to be an artist, and would never be worthy for a prince. So she went on a mission. A mission to be the best person she could be, while also hoping to impress the Prince. After achieving amazing work experience with incredible design companies, and having an academically successful year in her studies, Sueliana was convinced the year 12345 would be the best year yet, showing that damn Ogar he was wrong and that the prince would fall head over heels into her colourful world. Sueliana was convinced that to make 12345 truly the best year she must also adopt a healthy lifestyle, after indulging in copious amounts of chocolate christmas reindeers, crumble puddings, log cakes and sparkling giggle-ade. After hearing about the success of the vegetable cleanse Sueliana decided that was her best shot and decided she too would cleanse her system. Only a terrible thing happened, the wicked Oglan was determined not to let Sueliana succeed, casting an Ogars hideous spell on her which made her take her New Years resolution of being healthy too far. She became obsessed with cleansing and this turned into a horrible nightmare as Sueliana decided to adopt a healthy lifestyle through EATING as well as the occasional cleanse. She ate all day long, fruits and vegetables were constantly filling the fridge. Sue also enjoyed exercising and eventually noticed the pattern of a tortoises shell forming on her stomach (something she had always desired of her little muffin rolls). This definition was only noticed after she ran as fast as she could on the moving machine of doom and lifting bunny rabbits in each arm, eventually working her way up to the hippopotamus. However, Sueliana became addicted to seeing these results and like Oglan had wished, she took it too far. Only living off the fruits of the ground, she did not support the energy that was being put into her gym routine and busy work schedule. The weight became lower and lower, more food became viewed as a dragons toenail and she wouldn't dear eat anything that society was told was a nasty dragons toenail, never touching a carb, grain or dairy delight, only eating things with that were considered "healthy", she would laugh if you'd even dare offer something with preservatives. Eventually the only food that Sueliana ate was fruits, vegetables and the mermaids of the sea, while continuing to leap and lift every day. Sueliana would feel ashamed if she could not exercise or if she indulged. Even declining free offerings of gold muffins, brought to her by the fashionable minions. Eventually she became very unwell and was taken to see the fairy god mother of medicine, who convinced her that all food is good food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Sueliana is now fighting, Oglan tried to take her happiness, family, friends, future but Sueliana is now realising that true happiness is not through what you eat and excessive exercise, it is through enjoying life naturally, the way you did when you were young and carefree, digging up bugs from the garden (yep, I did that). This fairytale is yet to have an ending.. but Sueliana is determined to make it a happy one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Whether it be you're trying to diet or you're trying to gain neither should consume your life.. you may not be at your goal weight but there is so much more to a body then that muffin top or cellulite, am I right? From experience, you will never be happy with your body no matter how much weight you lose. But we can definitely learn to love our perfect imperfections. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
My first #MyBodyIsAmazing is because I am ME. I have lumps and bumps, I am not perfect, but I am happy being just the way I was meant to be. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-87574577218065144232014-10-06T02:28:00.000-07:002014-10-06T02:31:00.168-07:00LFW: 2014<br />
Before I moved out to Sydney, Australia, I attended London Fashion Week working behind the scenes. Backstage was filled with beautiful models, makeup artists and hair stylists from the best brands, creative directors, photographs and of course the staff, interns and designers for the company who had all been working flat out in the run up to the S/S '15 show.<br />
<br />
It was incredible to see all the hard-work that was put into the collection embrace the runway and then to read the feedback from some the most notable fashionistas and fashion magazines was the icing on the cake.<br />
<br />
Understandably I can't go into too much detail about the show because of confidentiality. However, I have snooped out a few of my favourite outfits from the show, let's call it.. <b>who wore what</b>.<br />
<br />
First things first though..<br />
<br />
When I was deciding what to wear it was a calamity jane situation. I wanted to glam up, after all I was attending LFW. But, all staff were strictly restricted to no makeup and all black clothing. <i>How might one look glam with no make up and black clothing,</i> was my first thought. My second thought was... <i>well what do the greats say? </i><br />
This was the verdict:<br />
<br />
Karl Lagerfeld: "One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress."<br />
<br />
Ann Demeulemeester: "Black is not sad. Bright colours is what depresses me. They're so… empty. Black is poetic. How do you imagine a poet? In a bright yellow jacket? Probably not."<br />
<br />
So having to wear all black wasn't all doom and gloom.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I love black clothing! But all black… Really?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had my eye on a lady suit at Topshop for a while, it also so happened to meet the criteria of my work clothing requirements. Black.<br />
<br />
Without hesitation, I logged onto my computer and snapped it up faster then you can say Cara Delevingne.<br />
<br />
If you didn't guess from my previous sentence it was from the A/W collection modelled by Cara Delevingne for Topshop. This Premium Tailored Suit Blazer and Cigarette Trousers was perfect…<br />
<br />
1. It was smart.<br />
2. It was sophisticated.<br />
3. It was fashionable.<br />
4. It was comfortable.<br />
5. It was on trend.<br />
6. It was worn by Cara Delevigne.<br />
7. It was <b>black</b>.<br />
<br />
I am proud to say I am the owner of a lady suit. The suit jacket is stunningly tailored and the fit is great. I wear it as a smart/casual in the day, and dress it up in the evening. The trousers are a little baggy on my tushy, but this was inevitable as I am currently in search for my lady curves to go with my lady suit. Hopefully I will have some glutes to pad out these trousers soon, but they still looked great. The trousers are fabulous during the daytime and paired with some killer heels in the evening. I wouldn't hesitate wearing them on a night out with some bright heels (when colour is allowed of course), they would look sophisticated and glamourous.<br />
<br />
While in London I was a bit of a lone wolf, with nobody around to get a shot of me in my LFW outfit I made do with a mirror c<i>elfie</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp0eQX3HfGI/VDIFBk0CX2I/AAAAAAAAAxw/g9xwT1X79eE/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp0eQX3HfGI/VDIFBk0CX2I/AAAAAAAAAxw/g9xwT1X79eE/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxa7EaSovyk/VDIFDRMISjI/AAAAAAAAAx4/vb0iU_zTdjY/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxa7EaSovyk/VDIFDRMISjI/AAAAAAAAAx4/vb0iU_zTdjY/s1600/photo4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a08UshtxZBw/VDIFELSpv4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/MbW-bkBB0kI/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a08UshtxZBw/VDIFELSpv4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/MbW-bkBB0kI/s1600/photo3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course my favourite pink lipstick had to go, strictly no makeup. But, overall <b>ALL</b> black wasn't seeming so bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.delonghi.com.au/news/newsletters/au/2011/09/the-new-black-hdr.gif" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYEKtYgP9OY/VDH8GWg5jmI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/jJsXdMyiyxw/s1600/the-new-black-hdr.gif" height="162" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://mycharmingsister.wordpress.com/page/5/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QxP8t0vZ9Q/VDH8JHZLuWI/AAAAAAAAAxY/I-mJz-kGyNo/s1600/216032113345349655_cjyndcke_f.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was going to pair this outfit with my beautiful new pointed flats. But to be on the safe side I made my shoes all black too, I ended up wearing my un-pictured little black boots.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough about me…<br />
<br />
Here is my favourite outfits of what was worn to the show (<b>warning</b>: none of the following photographs are my own):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byYaiHOT6fo/VDJLBvIPrmI/AAAAAAAAAz8/md__MZtRfz0/s1600/daisy%2Blowe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byYaiHOT6fo/VDJLBvIPrmI/AAAAAAAAAz8/md__MZtRfz0/s1600/daisy%2Blowe.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy Lowe</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNa3MJjbkdw/VDJLCIBEaeI/AAAAAAAAA0A/0zNnY41uDV4/s1600/Paloma_Faith_wearing_Burberry_at_the_Burberry_Prorsum_Womenswear_Spring_Summer_2015_Show_0_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNa3MJjbkdw/VDJLCIBEaeI/AAAAAAAAA0A/0zNnY41uDV4/s1600/Paloma_Faith_wearing_Burberry_at_the_Burberry_Prorsum_Womenswear_Spring_Summer_2015_Show_0_0.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paloma Faith</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28ljmdqSTy8/VDJLEVmfU_I/AAAAAAAAA0c/ReMsWiDvKGI/s1600/poppydelevigne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28ljmdqSTy8/VDJLEVmfU_I/AAAAAAAAA0c/ReMsWiDvKGI/s1600/poppydelevigne.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Poppy Delevingne</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxg5p3ybT4/VDJLDdoPYCI/AAAAAAAAA0M/ogzSFhjFNqw/s1600/olivia%2Bpalmero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxg5p3ybT4/VDJLDdoPYCI/AAAAAAAAA0M/ogzSFhjFNqw/s1600/olivia%2Bpalmero.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia Palermo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-58074252560215949652014-09-24T22:25:00.001-07:002014-10-05T18:46:52.334-07:00Fashionable Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYYw6XNlCxs/VCOfs8bmwXI/AAAAAAAAAwU/zQT2PucbDIY/s1600/Autumn_Winter_Trends_2014.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
As Autumn approaches back home in the UK, I have just landed in the sunshine city of my internships… Sydney - Australia! I am currently unpacking my suitcase of books, sunglasses, swimwear, shorts, dresses and floppy hats.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I packed-up and up-rooted down under for 3 months I started to plan this Autumn post. Autumn is my favourite season to shop and I am pretty sad I will be missing Autumn 2014.. but hey I will be in Australia, no complaints there! However, my shopping subscriptions think I am still in the UK with constant Autumnal emails rolling in to my inbox with key must-haves for A/W 2014.<br />
<br />
The changes in weather make me restless for a bit of retail therapy (these shops know my weakness!) and to avoid my twitchy hands going over-board on pressing the checkout button too frequently buying myself unnecessary A/W clothing, I decided to instead browse and browse to scoop out a few of my favourite fashion trends to share with those of you preparing for the Autumn chill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Lets talk:</i><br />
<br />
<b>Over-sized</b> - buying everything that little bit bigger is always popular during the colder months, whether it is in preparation for some added Christmas weight or just for sheer cosiness, either way A/W '14 has really outdone it.. everything is bigger and better than ever!<br />
<br />
<b>Tailored</b> - Suited and booted with perfectly tailored cuts. I've got mine and it is my new wardrobe romance, *cough* Cara Delevigne at Topshop *cough*.<br />
<br />
<b>High-rise necklines</b> - I would say since A/W 2013 the turtle neck has been creeping its way back into our most loved high-street stores. But ultimately this is one look that will forever remain in Vogue. A/W 2014 seems to be the year of the neckline, everyone is adding that bit of mystery to one of the most alluring parts of the female body. Slouchy, chunky, fitted or ribbed you are bound to fall in love with one.<br />
<br />
<b>Pointed flats</b> - Polish up your look with pointed flats. Great to dress any outfit up without the need of heels and perfect from desk 'til dawn. I treated myself to a pair for LFW.. I haven't looked back, I pair mine with black tailored trousers in the evening and ripped skinnys in the day.<br />
<br />
<b>Leopard Print</b> - Unleash your wild side. A/W is showing a mixture of looks from at the Office to Rock 'nd Roll, yes this is quite the contrast but I could not think of a more perfect combination.. Office by day, Rock 'nd Roll by night. Leopard print seems to be the focal of the wild side. Who would of thought are wardrobes would be filled up with turtle necks and leopard print again. De ja vu?<br />
<br />
<b>Popping your colour</b> - Monochrome is big this season! You can't go wrong it is the most versatile staple wardrobe, but adding a slight pop of colour can instantly change a look. This season is all about monochromes mixed in with splashes of green, hues of blue and lemony yellows.<br />
<br />
<b>Cosying up</b> - A/W '14 loves to keep you toasty, from fuzzy bags to luxurious fur coats and shearling visible left, right and centre, there is no excuse for you to be hibernating this year!<br />
<br />
Images:<br />
<br />
Top/Left - <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?currency=200002&id=5119437420103&parentid=NEW-IN-WOMENS-CLOTHING-EU#/" target="_blank">Unif Crayola Jumper </a><br />
Top/Right - <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-knitted-rib-skirt-with-mohair/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4029108&sgid=8638&clr=Mustard&SearchQuery=knitted+rib+skirt&pgesize=4&pge=1&totalstyles=4&gridsize=4&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=1" target="_blank">Knitted Rib Skirt </a> & <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-jumper-with-flared-sleeve/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4028760&sgid=8638&clr=Mint&SearchQuery=jumper+with+flared+sleeve&SearchRedirect=true#" target="_blank">Jumper with Flared Sleeve</a><br />
Botton/Left - <a href="http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/knitwear/sweaters/cowlneck-poncho-c498028p2025552.html?sharedProduct=true" target="_blank">Cowl Neck Poncho</a><br />
Bottom/Right - <a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/suits-and-co-ords-840/tailored-stripe-blazer-and-peg-leg-trousers-3353738?bi=1&ps=20" target="_blank">Tailored Striped Blazer and Peg Leg Trousers</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-14421766483577247512014-09-13T08:25:00.003-07:002014-10-05T18:47:43.836-07:00The Anti-Model Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rainbow haired models? The modelling world is being filled with confusion these days with the desire to be thin, tall and tattoo-less becoming less and less common, I could not welcome this change in the industry and society more. It is about time curves, tattoos and crazy personalities embraced the catwalk. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In order to applaud this change via the internet and with the Fashion shows kicking off around the world, I decided to create an Anti-Models Series.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is going to be a series of posts on models that are standing out from the crowds of the typical </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"model brief" </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and rocking the runway. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heard of London's Anti-Angency? Well, they have already started blurring the lines in the modelling world with models being booked on personality over appearance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"They might be beautiful and be very cool, but they definitely don't take any shit!"</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Pandora Lennard (Director - The Anti-Agency).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what better way than a brief introductory of this series of posts then picking out a few of the ladies this agency represents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GEM2SrFRuk/VBQhdFn0eJI/AAAAAAAAAvI/GcNwqzHJ5cw/s1600/Abby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GEM2SrFRuk/VBQhdFn0eJI/AAAAAAAAAvI/GcNwqzHJ5cw/s1600/Abby.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abby - Fashion Student</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CS4O3p75CsU/VBQhdc2xHJI/AAAAAAAAAvM/EpXrMNQidOs/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CS4O3p75CsU/VBQhdc2xHJI/AAAAAAAAAvM/EpXrMNQidOs/s1600/Amy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amy - Poet</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM8pmnSEL98/VBQhdkAI7JI/AAAAAAAAAwA/aR7LNu2Ul00/s1600/Ayesha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM8pmnSEL98/VBQhdkAI7JI/AAAAAAAAAwA/aR7LNu2Ul00/s1600/Ayesha.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ayesha - Artist</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AUt5Zf-Its/VBQheKoUrWI/AAAAAAAAAvU/soRhrd-lBA0/s1600/Portia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AUt5Zf-Its/VBQheKoUrWI/AAAAAAAAAvU/soRhrd-lBA0/s1600/Portia.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Portia - Hairstylist</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiUJvBhZWWo/VBQherBZM2I/AAAAAAAAAvc/gWVbzOB0fx4/s1600/Sophie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiUJvBhZWWo/VBQherBZM2I/AAAAAAAAAvc/gWVbzOB0fx4/s1600/Sophie.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sophie - Student</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7LLXQtU_OE/VBQhe7wdS-I/AAAAAAAAAvk/K_5bIZw9ero/s1600/Sopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7LLXQtU_OE/VBQhe7wdS-I/AAAAAAAAAvk/K_5bIZw9ero/s1600/Sopia.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sophia - Psychology Student</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irlmoU2MsUI/VBQhfRRb6fI/AAAAAAAAAvo/A9W-eyBUleI/s1600/Sydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irlmoU2MsUI/VBQhfRRb6fI/AAAAAAAAAvo/A9W-eyBUleI/s1600/Sydney.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sydney - Production Assistant</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photographs are all from the <a href="http://www.antiagency.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anti-Agency website</a>, which doesn't give much away about the models other than their personalities through a range of quirky photoshoots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Multi-coloured hair, piercings, short, tall, slim, curvy, tattoo'd or not tattoo'd.. this is the start of a new generation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All these model talk has me thinking about who will be walking the catwalk at the fashion show on Monday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exciting!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-24044783893264648632014-09-07T09:22:00.000-07:002014-09-07T09:22:00.657-07:00My weekly smiles #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmGXRiabNoM/VAyEA9W_olI/AAAAAAAAAuo/tr7wlzK7ZCo/s1600/10683749_843204699045364_1530523284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmGXRiabNoM/VAyEA9W_olI/AAAAAAAAAuo/tr7wlzK7ZCo/s1600/10683749_843204699045364_1530523284_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Two blog posts in one day?! That's right. Sunday has been my day of writing. I love writing but have been told I have dyslexia, meaning my writing skills aren't considered academic. But it is something I am passionate about, I have come along way with my spelling and punctuation thanks to good ol' spell checker. I somehow don't think spelling and punctuation is the most important thing when it comes to writing, I think you should write with your heart and use your creative mind, surely that is the most important thing? I for one don't pick up a book and think.. "wow, great punctuation". I read because the piece interests me, which is why I am such a lover of blog writing, I am not being marked, it is my little bubble, my journal for me and my thoughts and anyone else who might be interested. If you have ever wanted to look inside someones mind, wondered what people are thinking and like learning about peoples lives.. we'd have that in common. My favourite shows are <i>Escape To The Country</i>, <i>Place in the Sun</i> and <i>Location, Location, Location</i>.. this along with my interest in peoples lives pretty much makes the person who everyone thinks is <i>"the nosey one".</i>. meet me and you will probably feel like your on a quiz show. My interest in people might cause criticism but it is merely just out of interest I love learning and getting to know people and their interests. Any-who it has definitely been a day of Sunday rambles..<br />
<br />
1. Making friends. New interns joined our team recently, like I said.. I like getting to know people!<br />
2. Sushi Saturday happened. Working during the weekend means sushi lunch. The company treat us to lunch if we work during the weekend and the bins become filled with empty wasabi bento boxes and many happy tummies.<br />
3. Learning new skills. I have learnt so much through my internships and it's only been 3 months, bring on the rest of the year.<br />
4. London Fashion Week outfit purchased.<br />
5. Relaxing Sunday of writing.<br />
6. X Factor. I haven't watched the X Factor in years, but I flicked it on to see if the new judge panel could rope me back.. yep, that's right.. it did. So glad to have Cheryl and Simon back! Is it just me that thinks Simon seems a lot more timid since becoming a Dad?<br />
7. Thinking about the future. Feeling excited and determined! Working in the industry makes me fall more and more in love with the creative world everyday.<br />
8. UniDays. <b>HOW HAVE I ONLY JUST REGISTERED</b>.<br />
9. Tea and biscuits. After dominating a sushi lunch in work on Saturday I continued to fight for true health and happiness, sharing out my biscuits among the Embroidery team & we all got dunking. It's safe to say there is nothing like a biscuit dunked into a freshly brewed cup of tea.<br />
10. Turtle neck. I never thought I would say the phrase, I am loving turtle neck fashion. It is going to be huge this Autumn, turtle neck dresses, turtle neck tops, turtle neck jumpers. The turtle neck is making a comeback and I am welcoming it with open arms. Embrace the turtle.<br />
<br />
<b>Song of the week: </b>Not just a song it is an album! Gabrielle Aplin - English Rain. This Album reflects my mood these days, it is the perfect album to sing along with into Autumn to!<br />
<b>Movie of the week:</b> Fool's Gold. Kate Hudson is simply divine. Sunday night movies at there best.<br />
<b>Blogger of the week: </b><a href="http://www.charlotteswebblog.co.uk/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Charlotte's Web</a>. Her posts on <i>Love</i> are great. I like her writing style it is different to most bloggers, I have spent this evening with movies and catching up on her blog posts.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-45585008378300948872014-09-07T05:18:00.001-07:002014-09-07T05:18:20.976-07:00Getting ahead in fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Working for a high-end fashion brand has made me think long and hard about getting ahead in fashion. So you have your CV sussed, you've started a blog compiled of your fashionista tips & tricks while highlighting diabolical fashion faux pas, you've escaped to the Capital.. now what? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is my situation...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am nail-bittingly close to ruining the opportunities I have worked so hard to achieve and I don't want anyone else to fall for the blunders <b>I</b> have caused, so here are a few things that have been learn't so far working in industry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/4-really-important-tips-for-landing-your-first-fashion-internship/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KX1ovZTC1k/VAxJXvRL4iI/AAAAAAAAAuY/7b4FTxw_l08/s1600/fashion-intern-barbie.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DO: Nourish yourself</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok. So you might think the Fashion industry promotes <i>skinny</i>, but oh could you be more wrong. In the run-up to deadlines everyone is in the studio chowing down on pizza, thai, sushi.. the list is endless. We have just stocked up with goodies for the week, by stocked up I mean the biggest box of crisps, chocolate & fizzy drinks. Now I am not promoting un-healthy eating to get ahead in fashion, but I am promoting the need for energy, strength and balance to be able to work 7 days a week, with hours that don't have a time-limit, meaning you could be working 14hours + in the run up to Fashion Week. I have so far been the girl rejecting the cookies, the crisps, the cake. You might applaud thinking what good will power, but in reality it is just stubbornness. My unhealthy relationship with food caused me to take my eye off the ball. I am unable to work the gruelling hours I prepared myself for and that other interns and staff members work, I do not have the bodily strength to do the tasks others can do. I am the girl with the apple and a salad, maybe staying an hour late here and there and un-impressing. Although staff members are happy with my work and say they are impressed.. my contribution to the team is far less superior then others. I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing, developing skills in different areas such as embroidery and pattern cutting and want to continue to learn. I have a determination to work the gruelling fashion hours others work and impress and be desired to come back and contribute each year but my eating habits have so far stood in the way of me making the impressions I had hoped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <i>I am a working progress.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily, I will be returning to the fashion company I am interning with next year for 5 months. When I return I will be the girl eating the cookies and the cake, working the late shifts and proving to everyone that I will make it in the industry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This challenge for me started yesterday, working the weekend: I ate a sushi bento box for lunch and delved into the biscuit tin at snack time, convincing my manager I have the strength to work a little longer than usual. Next week my progress will continue, fighting for my future, my dreams, my desire to prove to everyone I am worthy of this internship. If I make more progress my studio manager will allow me work the longer hours and the big weekend 48hour stint before the fashion show on Monday the 15th. You all must think I am mad aiming for longer shifts but that is what the run up to fashion week is all about.. if I am going to intern in fashion, I will do it properly. This is game on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Phew</i>, you might be glad to know that's my blabbering out of the way. But, hey when your stuck inside, no way to get to my usual Sunday church service, whats a girl gunna do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My other points are slightly more heard of but coming from my real life interning experience, I have realised just how true they are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DON'T: Be a 9 to 5 kind of gal/guy</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While you dream of your lavish fashion lifestyle of endless shopping trips and copious amounts of champagne as you pull up to the most talked about parties in a black limousine surrounded by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney. The reality is a lot of graft, late nights, constant deadlines, sleepless nights, people freaking out when designs change last minute, things can't be found, exhaustion takes over, and before you know it the season is over and the next has begun. But don't be put off, everyone in the studio loves the madness and if you want it badly, you will too! </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DO: Network</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Networking was stressed to me throughout my second year of my degree, but while interning the need to network has become evermore important. It is all about contacts I'm afraid. The more people you know in the industry the further you will get. Working in a creative environment means you can meet a lot of people who will know someone that can help you out in the future, Foot in the door? Photographer? Stylist? Freelance work? The more people you meet whether it is the designer at one of your favourite fashion houses, the receptionist at Vogue, the cleaner at Burberry or the security guard at Dolce & Gabbana, you meet someone in the industry they will probably be able to help you out in the future. Also, meeting other designers is a great way to meet like-minded people. Maybe the security guard might not share your interests, but he will know someone who will. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DON'T: Rely on qualifications</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't assume that your degree will guarantee you a job in the industry at the end. Of course doing well and academic study is important but most professionals I have met that have been working in the design field for a long time have stressed that the need of interning and networking. I have learnt so much after just 3 months of interning, things I never learnt on my degree. I enjoy my course, my lecturers are great and I have learnt all about designing and design process, but putting these skills into experience in the working world is a completely different ball-game. So intern, think outside the box, stand out and throw yourself into every task no matter how small with unbridled gusto.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DO: Live the City life</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chirping birds flying past the window of your Victorian <b>house</b> with a <b>garden</b> (yes, <b>"A GARDEN!"</b> I hear you scream) as you gaze on to the mountainous hillside and sip a cup of tea, while later venturing into the grassy fields as you sing 'the hills are alive' like Julie Andrews.. I don't think so. If you want to clamber up the fashion ladder you have to make the move. Relocate to the capital. And live it like a Londoner. I am sure you have all heard the saying <i>"you've got to be in it to win it"</i>, well thus applies. All the opportunities are in the city, it is where the biggest companies are based, where the fashion shows are hosted and where your real-life fashion career begins. So, if you can cope with a box (i.e. small flats) at designer prices and virtually no money for a few years for that desirable fashion gig, pack your bag and book a one way ticket. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DON'T: Fake it</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes it is great to have a look, having personal sense of style can get you a long way.. make you stand out from the crowd. Attitude and confidence are highly valued and having a personal style is great to showcase your fashion eye. However, don't pretend to be something you are not. If at heart you are a girl who loves the high street or is guilty of indulging in the high end life, don't pretend to be an artful hipster, find your niche and wear it with pride. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Find a company to intern with that interests you and reflects your style. Don't walk into a company pretending you are into Avant Guard when you like Commercial. You will only enjoy the job, the discounted clothing perks, and won't look like a wolly when your true style, thoughts and feelings are revealed. It will only be embarrassing when you can't relate to the concepts and the brand you are representing and working for, you will go a lot further working for a brand you are passionate about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enough of my intern advice, hear it from the real professionals reading this <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2014/06/5/fashion-advice/gallery/1181446" target="_blank">Vogue interview</a> for some famous fashion advice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With all this fashion talk, what kind of fashion posts would you like me to create on my blog? London Fashion Week is also among us! So I hope to create a lot of posts on design collections I loved at the show, in the mean time.. This <a href="http://thetextileintern.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/valentino.html" target="_blank">Resort '15 Valentino collection</a> still has me head over heels in love.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-7748063316999662832014-08-31T12:34:00.001-07:002014-09-01T10:18:18.788-07:00My weekly smiles #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhue2IquQOA/VAN4WnXbE1I/AAAAAAAAAt8/HlYi8IZ9wQY/s1600/mugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhue2IquQOA/VAN4WnXbE1I/AAAAAAAAAt8/HlYi8IZ9wQY/s1600/mugs.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's that time of the week again and oh has it been a mad one. Things are starting to get busier in work and everyone seems that bit more stressed. It is only going to get more hectic from here, so apologies if I am not posting as regularly or posts become shorter, I will be sure to keep you updated on the crazy happenings though making sure each post is a little special. Things will be less crazy after the 15th September, our London Fashion Week show date. I am very nervous but luckily my manager has confronted me about health, I managed to explain to her about my struggles. I know I haven't really gone in depth about what is actually wrong, I have always just brushed over it.. maybe one day I will open up completely to you all, but for now just know that I am fighting & improving, finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was nice to speak openly to my boss and for her to be understanding, this is a hectic time in such a cutting edge industry and I know the last thing they need is me being ill and having to attend dr's appointments. But, talking to her has somewhat gave us a good relationship as her advice is so comforting and motherly.. just what I needed when my family is so far away. Even though this week has been busy it was hard to think of what to post just because I was so rushed off my feet, it has been a case of work-eat-sleep-repeat, but this is what I came up with:<br />
<br />
1. Bank Holiday Monday, it was a productive day but I spent it in my lazy clothes. Check out my '<a href="http://thetextileintern.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/a-relaxed-bank-holiday-weekend.html" target="_blank">Relaxed Bank Holiday Weekend</a>' to see what I got up to.<br />
2. DMC (deep & meaningful conversations) in work.<br />
3. Finally got in the Embroidery room. Hoping the Print department start needing some help soon too, I am a studio intern so I just kind of float around where I am needed.<br />
4. Wasabi Hosomaki Sushi Bento Box. Weekend working started this week, they provided us with lunch choices of Wasabi Sushi or a Pret Salad. Of course I opted for the sushi!<br />
5. Smoked Salmon. I have been a lover of salmon since I turned pescetarian, adding fish into my diet. This week I bought smoked salmon slices to add into my salads for work. This was the best decision I have made in awhile! Love trying new foods. However, this was great for my taste buds and not so good for my bank balance. Why is it so expensive?!<br />
6. Church. Went to the HTB 9:30am service on Brompton Rd. It was one of those services that you think, wow he is literally talking about my life. I especially like this quote from today's speaker "The antidote to anxiety is gratitude, thankfulness gives contentment".<br />
7. Mugs. Vintage and handcrafted I have finally bought some large mugs, they were the perfect charity shop find at only £2 each and covered in a beautiful floral print. They are so big, perfect for the morning coffee and night time hot chocolate.<br />
8. Student Finance. I got paid!<br />
9. Morning Porridge.<br />
10. Autumnal fashion. Autumn fashion is my favourite, starting to make it's way into the stores. Even though I will be in the sunshine continent when it is autumn in the UK.|<br />
<br />
<b>Song of the week:</b> Lily Wood & Robin Schulz - Prayer in c (Robin Schulz Remix). Gives me that Summer vibe.<br />
<b>Movie of the week:</b> Sweet Home Alibama. Sunday night movie time.<br />
<b>Blogger of the week:</b> Laura Jane Williams aka <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1264489637"></span>Superlatively Rude<span id="goog_1264489638"></span></a>. Blogger of all things vagina, spiritualism and food. This girl is a super talented writer, not to mention hilarious.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-56498792419806554092014-08-30T02:19:00.000-07:002014-08-30T02:23:29.715-07:00A Relaxed Bank Holiday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope everyone has had a fabulous bank holiday weekend last week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being transformed into a true Londoner I had hoped to head on down to Notting Hill Carnival, where every year the streets come alive with food, music and colourful costumes for Europe's biggest street festival. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I guess you could say in reality I am a quintessential countryside girl at heart. So instead of dancing in the streets of London's festivities, I opted for a relaxing weekend filled with many cups of tea, movies and good reads. This choice was mainly down to this being the last weekend I can relax before London Fashion Week madness starts. I will be working late nights and weekends.. so essentially I will be working 24/7. I am actually excited and I am sure I will have loads of stories for you all on the reality of interning in the fashion world in the run up to Fashion Week, as well as all the behind the scenes knowledge from the show!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But for now, let's relax...<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh1qsk1LOmY/U_titUOfeqI/AAAAAAAAArg/16kpNLOLouw/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh1qsk1LOmY/U_titUOfeqI/AAAAAAAAArg/16kpNLOLouw/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Woke up thankful it's the weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwFp0CwscZ4/U_tjai6Pt_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/Oo0Xq6yiGh0/s1600/10632282_1607562779470441_758452033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwFp0CwscZ4/U_tjai6Pt_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/Oo0Xq6yiGh0/s1600/10632282_1607562779470441_758452033_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sneakersnstuff.com/en/product/15036/jordan-brand-air-jordan-2-retro-gs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ9rVBVty2Q/U_ttxxYgrqI/AAAAAAAAAtg/XiW7lGiXL-Y/s1600/large.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/air-revolution-sky-hi-shoe/pid-1473174/pgid-10086745" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkQGjB1-3yw/U_tu0ck9HHI/AAAAAAAAAts/N6N6X711-F4/s1600/Nike-Air-Revolution-Sky-Hi-Womens-Shoe-637989_100_A.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Unwrapped my new trainers I purchased on Friday after work.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2ZOWX3j8H4/U_tiv8Yt_7I/AAAAAAAAAr0/XHZQXhEdbSQ/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2ZOWX3j8H4/U_tiv8Yt_7I/AAAAAAAAAr0/XHZQXhEdbSQ/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wore my Nike Jordan's for the most part of the day, they are seriously like wearing slippers.. comfort galore!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyhJANsomFg/U_tii48gcXI/AAAAAAAAAqs/7k73tt2iuqA/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyhJANsomFg/U_tii48gcXI/AAAAAAAAAqs/7k73tt2iuqA/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Morning coffee is a must. The day does not start until the kettle has boiled and the coffee is poured.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRLhXUuPeBM/U_tjuPTyjfI/AAAAAAAAAsE/3wR3srXDrsE/s1600/10598212_800105696678225_1615795292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRLhXUuPeBM/U_tjuPTyjfI/AAAAAAAAAsE/3wR3srXDrsE/s1600/10598212_800105696678225_1615795292_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Breakfast loving. Topped off my mound of weetabix with banana and clementines.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EISQjGRooO4/U_tkdRRFyDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/WhC0gegszds/s1600/IMG_2199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EISQjGRooO4/U_tkdRRFyDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/WhC0gegszds/s1600/IMG_2199.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stocked up the cupboards in preparation for the busy weeks ahead.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjpP1ulTE5c/U_tijRrafmI/AAAAAAAAAqw/5nIN4H_a_RM/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjpP1ulTE5c/U_tijRrafmI/AAAAAAAAAqw/5nIN4H_a_RM/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Errands completed, now for movie time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkytcx_Nq4I/U_tin2PMA1I/AAAAAAAAArE/X1YjM5iU5oY/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkytcx_Nq4I/U_tin2PMA1I/AAAAAAAAArE/X1YjM5iU5oY/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Traded in my Jordan's for some fluffy socks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm5he1Lk0KQ/U_tipwYc5mI/AAAAAAAAArM/-IP3UbKyqeY/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm5he1Lk0KQ/U_tipwYc5mI/AAAAAAAAArM/-IP3UbKyqeY/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cuddled up to my bear for extra cosiness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VxZBDGiAA8/U_tkqdH_0YI/AAAAAAAAAsY/X-ebijSepzc/s1600/10632513_447999198674306_132298615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VxZBDGiAA8/U_tkqdH_0YI/AAAAAAAAAsY/X-ebijSepzc/s1600/10632513_447999198674306_132298615_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Got creating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqMvEpbe1sI/U_tksJ7nRDI/AAAAAAAAAsg/RYrkzMjPcj0/s1600/BvuzNfKIYAATH7w.jpg-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqMvEpbe1sI/U_tksJ7nRDI/AAAAAAAAAsg/RYrkzMjPcj0/s1600/BvuzNfKIYAATH7w.jpg-large.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salad bigger than my head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIjh4cAl6ik/U_tojMERreI/AAAAAAAAAtU/0CulytqRL9A/s1600/10593483_544858992308694_2057847622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIjh4cAl6ik/U_tojMERreI/AAAAAAAAAtU/0CulytqRL9A/s1600/10593483_544858992308694_2057847622_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Sunday! Time for church.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_SFbXMsw10/U_tk9TRWTkI/AAAAAAAAAso/szTJJ_nJJ3o/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_SFbXMsw10/U_tk9TRWTkI/AAAAAAAAAso/szTJJ_nJJ3o/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An organised Bank Holiday Monday. Meal planning in my Filofax.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MNH3A57hkQ/U_tlKcfpRQI/AAAAAAAAAsw/C9fIROagGZ0/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MNH3A57hkQ/U_tlKcfpRQI/AAAAAAAAAsw/C9fIROagGZ0/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then things got messy in the kitchen. Lunches of salads, vegetables, eggs, smoked salmon, cheese crackers, fruit and an un-pictured soup for the week ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siuaK0uD_Lc/U_tlP4QRFBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/z1-hurJsvgA/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siuaK0uD_Lc/U_tlP4QRFBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/z1-hurJsvgA/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Food prepping complete. Followed by Monday's humungous salad bowl filled with all kinds of goodness and drenched in balsamic of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYwXc7CHBGw/U_tlQfj3nII/AAAAAAAAAs8/nKpXgoNmkVM/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYwXc7CHBGw/U_tlQfj3nII/AAAAAAAAAs8/nKpXgoNmkVM/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Night time read.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With some chocolate of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many yawns later and it's time for bed, ready to reconvene the next day as <a href="http://thetextileintern.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/new-beginnings.html" target="_blank">The Textile Intern</a> working in the mad, mad fashion world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-72153182861301040132014-08-24T08:59:00.005-07:002014-08-24T09:06:16.055-07:00My week in smiles #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlIE4KkRclo/U_n-0tmz9lI/AAAAAAAAAqc/m8hqph1qKRs/s1600/386190_2801068667286_523129936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlIE4KkRclo/U_n-0tmz9lI/AAAAAAAAAqc/m8hqph1qKRs/s1600/386190_2801068667286_523129936_n.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was unsure whether to post about smiles this week as sadly my Grandma past away. It somewhat seems wrong to post about having a happy week when in reality it has been filled with many tears. But, Grandma was very unwell.. and she is at rest now. I know she would want us to all be positive and strong, while smiling at the good times. So this week my weekly smiles is going to be a little different, it isn't necessarily going to be from the last week. I have instead decided to write about 10 family times and smiles spent with my family as well as remembering my Grandma. I hope everyone has had a great week and bank holiday weekend and that you enjoy this post even though it is not the norm. Bring on next week, may it create many happy memories!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Ice cream cake for my birthday in Australia. I always remember this cake being the best birthday cake I had ever had. </div>
<div>
2. My Grandma was <b>GLAMOROUS!</b> She loved her makeup, getting her hair done and a pamper. I always remember her dyeing her hair.</div>
<div>
3. Making french toast together.</div>
<div>
4. Christmas, spending Christmas many years ago in Australia. I remember getting a baby Annabel! That's how young I was. Anyone else have a baby Annabel when they were younger?</div>
<div>
5. Bingo! Grandma loved bingo.. but who doesn't! </div>
<div>
6. Skyping Grandma and Mum when I was in University. I hadn't seen her since I was very young, so when mum went to visit her in Australia we Skyped, it was a conversation filled with many happy tears. </div>
<div>
7. The Big Bang Theory. This is more a memory from my mum, I remember mum saying Grandma loves watching The Big Bang Theory, whenever it is on it now makes me smile.</div>
<div>
8. Spending precious time together. Every moment no matter how small I am grateful for.</div>
<div>
9. Even though my family are spread all over the world, we always pull together and support each other. There is no love like the love of family. </div>
<div>
10. Memories. Grandma may now be in the heavens but she will always be in our hearts, her memories will never leave us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sorry if this post was too personal and not what you were hoping to read this Sunday. I know it doesn't really give you much insight into my week and what I have been loving, but it didn't feel right posting anything smiley other than happy times spent with my family and Grandma.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To keep you enticed until next weeks smiles I will however still share my favourites in song, movie and blog, so check them out if you haven't already!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Song of the week:</b> MNEK - Wrote A Song About You Last Night. Such a great track, I am obsessed!</div>
<div>
<b>Movie of the week:</b> Warm Bodies. I have been loving Amazon Prime to catch up on films I wanted to watch but never ended up getting around to watching. I did have Netflix, but they got a bit slow on updating there contents, anyone else feel like they watched everything on there? I bid farewell to my Netflix membership a few weeks a go and have now jumped on the Prime bandwagon.</div>
<div>
<b>Blogger of the week:</b> <a href="http://www.thelondoner.me/" target="_blank">The Londoner.</a> I am sure everyone knows Rosie over on The Londoner, she is my all time favourite blogger, I religiously refresh her blog waiting for a new blog post. This week she has been keeping us all updated regularly on her Parisian adventures.. so grab a cup of tea and head on over, you will spend hours perusing her blog if you haven't already!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-7039860771022952642014-08-23T10:40:00.004-07:002014-08-23T10:47:14.501-07:00Picnic in Hyde Park<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weekends a go I hopped on the tube and ventured down to Hyde Park for the first time to meet Rosie and picnic in the park. Unfortunately we didn't have the traditional plaid picnic blanket or a wicker basket, so we made do with the ever so glamorous supermarket plastic bags. I guess the best thing about the plastic bags was that they had a multi-use: carry our food and then when we arrived formed our seat. Ok, maybe a blanket and basket would of been better, but as we had both moved to London with bare minimal a plastic bag was the only way for us Hyde Park picnicking newbies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlbzzqOmdM4/U_d27oXFtVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Y8xzUvpEgCk/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlbzzqOmdM4/U_d27oXFtVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Y8xzUvpEgCk/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" height="466" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(I love the couple in this photo gazing at the greenery above them (left hand-side), it reminds me of a movie scene, </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Twilight</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> perhaps?</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Relocated in London's famous Hyde Park)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we explored the park to find the best place to set up our picnic, the sun shone brightly while families and friends gathered with the same desire of making the most of the unpredictable Great British weather.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZHbcpgOdhk/U_d2W5wvfkI/AAAAAAAAAno/TBuAEsZzzhE/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZHbcpgOdhk/U_d2W5wvfkI/AAAAAAAAAno/TBuAEsZzzhE/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We finally settled on the grass next to the lake.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBvrPBtfhhE/U_d2v38YtKI/AAAAAAAAAoY/68Fw4nb0M7c/s1600/IMG_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBvrPBtfhhE/U_d2v38YtKI/AAAAAAAAAoY/68Fw4nb0M7c/s1600/IMG_2108.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wide brimmed hats are a summer must have, It was actually a breezy Saturday in London, I was lucky I didn't blow away!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mudYJYjpKg/U_d2wx-VzZI/AAAAAAAAAog/5XzpwX7aVuw/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mudYJYjpKg/U_d2wx-VzZI/AAAAAAAAAog/5XzpwX7aVuw/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meet Rosie, fashion lover, designer and a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart. This girl is one of my closest friends, we lived together in Leeds for a year while I was studying my Art Foundation, and she was studying Fashion Design. She is now an official Fashion graduate and is also countryside girl who is now experiencing life in London. You can check out her fabulous designs <a href="http://rosieedmonds.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ-xTK9moVM/U_d2pV6wguI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Cdt1380Fw6w/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ-xTK9moVM/U_d2pV6wguI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Cdt1380Fw6w/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our picnic consisted of an array of food we picked up from the nearby supermarkets. I have a obsession with sushi so couldn't resist grabbing a Taiko Sushi roll, I also chose a feta and olive salad and chopped apple pieces… satisfying all kinds of cravings. My vegetable sushi was in an egg wrap, I had never had this type of sushi roll before but oh my it was good! Rosie got a lot of nibbles, consisting of edamame beans, olives, tomatoes, hummus and vegetable crisps. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMLtfsGhMaM/U_d2mht63-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/eDxtjwVmznw/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMLtfsGhMaM/U_d2mht63-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/eDxtjwVmznw/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wish I could say we boated along the lake, but this time we unfortunately didn't, instead we soaked up the sunshine on the shore.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgoAJbB7hKo/U_d23iefzuI/AAAAAAAAAoo/cNgBfJLvmAg/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgoAJbB7hKo/U_d23iefzuI/AAAAAAAAAoo/cNgBfJLvmAg/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBx26iXdN1Y/U_d27AlOu7I/AAAAAAAAAow/LZHtlR62izg/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBx26iXdN1Y/U_d27AlOu7I/AAAAAAAAAow/LZHtlR62izg/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After our picnic we continued to venture and finally bid a sad farewell from some horses on the way out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had then planned to go grab ice-cream...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hate to admit that this didn't end up happening, we denied our stomachs of some gooey ice-cream mouthwatering sundaes, big mistake. Making it a new rule that no matter how full one should always make room for ice cream while basking in the sunshine! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next time I promise we will picnic the right way. I am talking picnic baskets, blankets, triangle sandwiches, crisps, fruit and ice creams.. the works. Prepare for picnic envy!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-69658178715425238282014-08-17T09:08:00.003-07:002014-08-17T09:19:01.578-07:00My week in smiles #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Tg6ait74k/U_DJ6Hf3ukI/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZFmIBtGsSDw/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Tg6ait74k/U_DJ6Hf3ukI/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZFmIBtGsSDw/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The weeks are passing so fast, right? I can't believe this is the third weekly smiles post… <b>spoiler alert: </b>this week might of been the best so far. Although I have said a sad farewell to working in studio with the interior company I had been interning with, I have amazingly been offered the opportunity to work from a distance for the company while I continue the rest of my placements and studies. Tomorrow I will be starting my next internship working for a high-end fashion design company. I am not going to lie, I am fairly terrified. I know fashion can be quite demanding especially as we will be working in the run up to London Fashion Week. I am preparing myself for many sleepless nights, aching feet, finger blisters and eye bags so heavy it will be like lifting weights at the gym. But hey, its going to be a whirlwind experience. Anyway, here's a little list to peruse of the things that have made this week a truly lovely one and I hope you all had a delightful week too!<br />
<br />
1. Spotting men with beards. A man with a beard and tattoos is becoming my guilty pleasure. Dreamy.<br />
2. Victoria Sponge Cake with the Sian Zeng team. Another week, another fear food tackled. Victoria Sponge is so simple & traditional but one of my favourite cakes.<br />
3. Stevia. I have recently developed a coffee sweet tooth, Stevia makes this craving slightly more innocent.<br />
4. The Girl with All the Gifts. Finished listening to my first audio book on audible! I enjoyed it but would still rather a good ol' fashioned paper book.<br />
5. Snuggling up in my duvet. I love summer, but appreciating the cooler nights this week.<br />
6. The advice and wisdom from friends and family. I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful and caring people.<br />
7. Health progress. I had a successful appointment at the doctors this week, to get my mind & body healthy. I have also upped my food content and although it's not as big of an increase as it should be, I can feel myself getting stronger and improvements with my energy levels already.<br />
8. Having the most beautiful Lillies delivered to my flat. You know you have the most amazing best friend when she sends you flowers for no occasion other then to make you smile.<br />
9. Continuing my work with the Sian Zeng team. Even though I will not be in studio, I am glad I get to remain apart of this little design family.<br />
10. Blog reading. Spending my weekend armed with a cuppa and a good blog.<br />
<br />
<b>Song of the week:</b> Jamie T - Zombie. Ooooooh yes Jamie T is back! About time as well if you ask me. Loving this track, can't wait for the album to be released.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Movie of the week:</b> After the heartbreaking news, a Robin Williams film had to be my movie of the week. After appearing in so many amazing films I found it hard to pick, so I decided on two of my all time childhood favourites, Jumanji and Flubber! </div>
<b>Blogger of the week: </b>Catherine Sprunt aka <a href="http://www.catherinesprunt.com/" target="_blank">Sprunting</a>. This girl is also a Sian Zeng employee from a distance, so I am yet to meet her. However, I came across her blog through work and have been enjoying reading it, she blogs all things food, interiors, travel and life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-28048605230802550662014-08-16T02:03:00.000-07:002014-08-16T03:26:54.718-07:00The Model Diet - Qnola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As mentioned in my SBC workout post, I promised to tell you all more about the Qnola that was given at the end of the workout session.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nenm8D1ohk0/U-8WrBamtPI/AAAAAAAAAjY/1zV6aLeEHOk/s1600/Qnola_Danielle_Copperman_Healthy_Gluten%2BFree_Grain%2BFree_Natural_Breakfast.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by <a href="http://instagram.com/dcopperman" target="_blank">Danielle Copperman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nenm8D1ohk0/U-8WrBamtPI/AAAAAAAAAjY/1zV6aLeEHOk/s1600/Qnola_Danielle_Copperman_Healthy_Gluten%2BFree_Grain%2BFree_Natural_Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Quinoa Granola (Qnola) is a healthy alternative to your typical Granola breakfast. Granola is packed with sugar, additives, processed dried fruit and many more unwanted extras. I know it's yummy, I was heartbroken too when I discovered this originally thinking of </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">addictive</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Granola as a healthy breakfast. But unless you read the ingredients and understand what is good and bad you wouldn't have a clue how you are honestly fuelling your body, you know what they say, </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">if you can't say it don't eat it!</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I am definitely someone guilty of overindulgence with Granola, there is actually quite a few good organic and gluten free brands on the market that I would look at investing in if you can't resist your fix, but now Qnola is on the market I am a Qnola convert. I never missed my normal Granola breakfast at all when I had Qnola in my cupboard. This really is the ultimate no-nasties breakfast, combine it with nut milk or add it to natural yogurt with some fruit to experience something mouthwateringly special... I tried both combinations and couldn't get enough.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TH0qjPOCNpE/U-8XAa4T44I/AAAAAAAAAjg/YxHqObeJbAc/s1600/Qnola_Danielle_Copperman_Healthy_Breakfast_Fruit_Yogurt_Granola_Honey_Fitness.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast snap before my first mouthful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Qnola is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins and minerals and free from gluten, grains, refined sugar and dairy but is packed with texture and nutty flavour with many superfood ingredients including chia seeds, coconut, goji berries, organic sunflower seeds, almonds and pumpkin seeds. There is also a number of added goodness ingredients in each flavour like beetroot powder, cacao, cinnamon, ginger and agave... healthy never tasted so good! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlOGjXXCGYY/U-8dpjsNBcI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Fuo4kJGHHbA/s1600/Danielle%2BCopperman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlOGjXXCGYY/U-8dpjsNBcI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Fuo4kJGHHbA/s1600/Danielle%2BCopperman.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/dcopperman" target="_blank">Danielle Copperman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We all have the beautiful Danielle Copperman to thank for this heavenly natural, unprocessed creation. Danielle is a qualified nutritionist and model, so if there is anyone who is going to get us that Victoria Secret body it is this woman. If you want to find out more about Qnola you can check out her post about the breakfast that will change your lifestyle over on her blog </span><a href="http://modelmangetout.com/post/73669765180/changing-your-breakfast-will-change-your-lifestyle" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also nabbed a few photographs from <a href="http://instagram.com/dcopperman" target="_blank">Danielle's instagram</a>, which I recommend for more healthy meal ideas!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVgPYsWTEuc/U-8YwDi32_I/AAAAAAAAAj4/N1Gl87Hz7Ow/s1600/Danielle_Copperman_Qnola_Breakfast_Love_Healthy_Hearty_Meal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVgPYsWTEuc/U-8YwDi32_I/AAAAAAAAAj4/N1Gl87Hz7Ow/s1600/Danielle_Copperman_Qnola_Breakfast_Love_Healthy_Hearty_Meal.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ShKAxPEcy8/U-8YUoX236I/AAAAAAAAAjo/24_kZEV4cBU/s1600/Danielle_Copperman_Healthy_Breakfast_Qnola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ShKAxPEcy8/U-8YUoX236I/AAAAAAAAAjo/24_kZEV4cBU/s1600/Danielle_Copperman_Healthy_Breakfast_Qnola.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by <a href="http://instagram.com/dcopperman" target="_blank">Danielle Copperman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can grab your Qnola from <a href="https://detoxkitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Detox Kitchen</a> at their Kingly Street Deli in London, but it has caused quite the stir.. so if you can get your hands on some you are in luck! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They do re-stock the range, so all is not lost. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Danielle is also going to be selling Qnola online so everyone no matter where you are can experience this beautiful breakfast...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Glorious. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-72378352449476361902014-08-14T12:17:00.003-07:002014-08-14T12:19:22.772-07:00Valentino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Folklore prints, colour riots and embroidered florals. Falling head over heels in love with<br />
<b>Valentino: Resort '15</b><i>. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saMcrG_DzwE/U-0IejAYo0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/Yibkd6yvpqk/s1600/Valentino_001_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saMcrG_DzwE/U-0IejAYo0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/Yibkd6yvpqk/s1600/Valentino_001_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q2rrsoyMfM/U-0ImJCLRdI/AAAAAAAAAjA/YzTZOhyliDE/s1600/Valentino_008_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q2rrsoyMfM/U-0ImJCLRdI/AAAAAAAAAjA/YzTZOhyliDE/s1600/Valentino_008_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqHLneqgNPE/U-0Iel_r3GI/AAAAAAAAAh8/qalaNkQ-Oq8/s1600/Valentino_010_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqHLneqgNPE/U-0Iel_r3GI/AAAAAAAAAh8/qalaNkQ-Oq8/s1600/Valentino_010_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxECljgprgE/U-0Ifqb085I/AAAAAAAAAiA/WbnLsVIyc7U/s1600/Valentino_022_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxECljgprgE/U-0Ifqb085I/AAAAAAAAAiA/WbnLsVIyc7U/s1600/Valentino_022_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-bJiZoDsUk/U-0If56UsUI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-Jioj1WQKDo/s1600/Valentino_025_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-bJiZoDsUk/U-0If56UsUI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-Jioj1WQKDo/s1600/Valentino_025_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrzNMbz2tVo/U-0IiO7y-iI/AAAAAAAAAiY/LAmuahgJ_7Q/s1600/Valentino_030_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrzNMbz2tVo/U-0IiO7y-iI/AAAAAAAAAiY/LAmuahgJ_7Q/s1600/Valentino_030_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7B40YlhPvs/U-0IhAPCgPI/AAAAAAAAAiM/B0d_CmAWUO4/s1600/Valentino_044_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7B40YlhPvs/U-0IhAPCgPI/AAAAAAAAAiM/B0d_CmAWUO4/s1600/Valentino_044_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzwL7tz9AhU/U-0Ih0CNCJI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ka9uwbAqke8/s1600/Valentino_058_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzwL7tz9AhU/U-0Ih0CNCJI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ka9uwbAqke8/s1600/Valentino_058_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dC8nI-CsS2Q/U-0Ii5WJf8I/AAAAAAAAAic/NPqLgYvUpiA/s1600/Valentino_059_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dC8nI-CsS2Q/U-0Ii5WJf8I/AAAAAAAAAic/NPqLgYvUpiA/s1600/Valentino_059_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g7xQTt63F4/U-0IjWfziAI/AAAAAAAAAik/zKnSBr6J7Y4/s1600/Valentino_065_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g7xQTt63F4/U-0IjWfziAI/AAAAAAAAAik/zKnSBr6J7Y4/s1600/Valentino_065_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxRm77aI_48/U-0Ijjy960I/AAAAAAAAAio/-hdM1ItB2sc/s1600/Valentino_082_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxRm77aI_48/U-0Ijjy960I/AAAAAAAAAio/-hdM1ItB2sc/s1600/Valentino_082_1366.450x675.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1639255499"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1562899173"></span><br />
<br />
Photography/Images from <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2015RST-VALENTIN" target="_blank">Style.com </a><br />
<span id="goog_1116713381"></span><span id="goog_1116713382"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-36107345427860911952014-08-10T12:18:00.002-07:002014-08-11T04:07:27.559-07:00My week in smiles #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKodMZVGyIs/U-fEY01DxII/AAAAAAAAAeU/yv3tBNbzbDE/s1600/BusyYJfIcAAiH5S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKodMZVGyIs/U-fEY01DxII/AAAAAAAAAeU/yv3tBNbzbDE/s1600/BusyYJfIcAAiH5S.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<b>HELLO.</b> Happy Sunday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
This week has mostly focused on good health. As mentioned in previous posts, I have realised that my body is not healthy and functioning properly.. which is effecting me being a good Textile Intern, the Textile Intern I had promised to be at those endless amount of interviews. So I have been focusing on gaining a healthy body & a healthy mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Also, you or may not know this about me, depending on how well we are acquainted. But it is no secret that I am very unlucky when it comes to technical products. I would estimate that I have broken around 8 iPhones and 6 laptops - I once had 3 new laptops in a year - I can imagine my insurance company wasn't best pleased. Now I have to sadly declare that my technical unluckiness has made its way on to kitchen appliances as I have said bon voyage to the second microwave I have broken since moving into my flat, to make it even more a sad farewell the last one came with a vegetable steamer, It had full approval from the rest of the kitchen equipment - excuse me well I just fantasies about everything coming to life dancing and singing around the kitchen recreating Beauty & The Beast - Shameless Disney fan & proud. Any-who to continue my ramble, yep, I have undeniably broken.. not one.. but two microwaves in the space of a month. I sincerely apologies to my accommodation. On the topic of microwaves, I also managed to somehow burn/disintegrate a sweet potato in the microwave the other day, this was a not such a smiley part to the week as I was so Hank Marvin at the time (a bit of cockney rhyming slang, living the London Lifestyle after all) Luckily, I managed to cook up another quickly before my stomach got too foul mouthed. Anyway, I hope you all had a peachy week and lets hope the sunshine doesn't quit on us just yet!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Here are a few things that have made me smile this last week:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. The Power is Within You - Louise Hay. I mentioned this book in my last post, I really recommend it even if you don't find yourself struggling in life, it is really interesting how powerful our minds can be & you never know it could change your life in 232 pages. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
2. Cardio Barre - Lower Body Shred Workout. I have been doing this workout on Youtube, it is only 15 minutes but really works your legs and glutes and it doesn't get boring, look out Kim Kardashian!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
3. Andrew Johnson - Deep Sleep. This man has been talking me to sleep every night. Zzzz..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
4. Lindt 70% dark chocolate. Made baby steps to find my balance, haven't had dessert/chocolate in weeks until today!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
5. Cuckoo - Taylor Lautner. Need I say more?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
6. Sushi. I only tried sushi for the first time a few months back, I am addicted. I could eat it every day of the week, and this week was one of them. Mmm.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
7. Picnic in the park. Met up with Rosie on Saturday and headed to Hyde Park for a picnic, luckily the sun was shining brightly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
8. Lemons. When life gives you lemons? I have been loving eating lemons this week. Some might find it weird but I eat the whole lemon, even the skin. The skin actually has 5-10 more vitamins then the juice, and it tastes good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
9. Planet Organic. Treated myself a few goodies from this Devonshire Sq Planet Organic the other day, it is so good in there but so expensive. Why is healthy so expensive?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
10. Discovering my new favourite coffee - Black Americano with Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup I have visited Cafe Nero three times this week for this drink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Song of the week:</b> Jesus Culture - Your Love Never Fails. This song cheers me up within seconds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Movie of the week:</b> The Wedding Planner. Is it just me that misses seeing Jennifer Lopez in movies?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Blogger of the week:</b> <a href="http://www.thumbelinalillie.com/" target="_blank">Thumbelina Lillie</a> - for making the #ProjectBareAll tag!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-10911750121245177592014-08-08T10:34:00.003-07:002014-08-08T10:40:36.305-07:00#ProjectBareAll - I Got Naked. <div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't be alarmed, you are not about to witness my naked booty. </span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stumbled on to a blogger called <a href="http://www.zoenewlove.com/" target="_blank">Zoe Newlove</a>, I don't know how I have only just found this girl but I am glad I did. Zoe is an incredibly talented make-up artist & beauty blogger, who recently bared her naturally beautiful face over on <a href="http://www.zoenewlove.com/2014/08/projectbareall-skin-series.html" target="_blank">her blog</a>. Inspired by <a href="http://www.thumbelinalillie.com/" target="_blank">Thumbelina Lillie</a>, she woke up in the morning, not a scrap of makeup on, grabbed her camera, and photographed herself, recreating Lillie's #ProjectBareAll tag, which you can check out <a href="http://www.thumbelinalillie.com/2014/07/beauty-projectbareall-confidence.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Girl power is an incredible force and since many bloggers and readers have wiped off their makeup and joined in.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Confidence </b>-<b> </b>#ProjectBareAll promotes confidence in women without the need of makeup. Yep, that means put down the brushes ladies, no foundation, concealer, powder, mascara, eye liner.. <b>nothing but your natural beauty. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We should all feel beautiful in the skin we are in and learn to love ourselves the way we are, not be getting up earlier than the person you are in a relationship with just to put on your makeup before they wake up - been there, done that. Since my teens (I am now in my twenteens) I have grown to accept myself without makeup, and now wouldn't dream of getting up earlier than the one you love just to cover a blemish or those pesky dark circles. Of course everyone loves to get glammed up, but you should feel just as confident barefaced as you do full faced. Trust me, when you get the courage to step out the door without your makeup, realising everyone isn't going to run away and hide from you in fear and that the only person judging you is yourself, nothing is better then the feeling of letting your skin breathe.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever met anyone who is confident and doesn't look radiant? No, a confident woman is a beautiful woman, and I am sure every man would agree. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here it is Ladies & Gents.. me in all my naked glory. Barefaced. Un-plucked eyebrows. Chapped lips. Blemish marks. On the internet. Not a hint of make up. Feeling empowered. Yes, I have imperfections.. I am not perfect, but who is? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ik3e-nCn5A/U-UGzfPcztI/AAAAAAAAAds/YH7Rrnxa0ts/s1600/IMG_6900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ik3e-nCn5A/U-UGzfPcztI/AAAAAAAAAds/YH7Rrnxa0ts/s1600/IMG_6900.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWoQ7yd3hUw/U-UGzbvPSzI/AAAAAAAAAdo/PM4_YYdCAwc/s1600/IMG_6902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWoQ7yd3hUw/U-UGzbvPSzI/AAAAAAAAAdo/PM4_YYdCAwc/s1600/IMG_6902.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YiashvjPVg/U-UGzb11A4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/e1Hxmct45Fo/s1600/IMG_6906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YiashvjPVg/U-UGzb11A4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/e1Hxmct45Fo/s1600/IMG_6906.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWousQFTOfE/U-UG0WcH32I/AAAAAAAAAd0/lUBPHrPDuPA/s1600/IMG_6912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWousQFTOfE/U-UG0WcH32I/AAAAAAAAAd0/lUBPHrPDuPA/s1600/IMG_6912.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I encourage you all to feel confident in your own skin, be happy the way you are, because you my friend, are b-e-a-utiful</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I end this post, <b>I have a confession</b>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been reading a Lousie Hay book called <i>'The Power is Within You'</i>, yes this is a self-help book if you couldn't tell by my enthusiasm about self love in this post. I can't put this book down when I get started, it is addictive! In fact, after writing this post I will probably continue reading it wearing my big wide framed glasses, stretchy pj bottoms, no makeup, scruffy bed hair and hot chocolate. Honestly, I have spent countless journeys on the tube laughing to myself about how I didn't realise how negative I was and guilty I was of everything she was saying! She believes that <i>"when people start to love themselves more each day, its amazing how their lives change"... </i>I guess thats why I am saying it in this post, about feeling happy with yourself with and without makeup. If there is something I have definitely learnt from Hay it is that loving yourself is more important than I ever thought - for yourself, your future, your health and even those around you, because how can you expect to be loved fully & love others fully, if you do not love yourself. I have to say, before I started this book I would of been sceptical about how much our own thoughts could be so powerful, but now I completely agree! If you give off negative thoughts, and tell yourself you don't feel great today.. you definitely aren't going to feel great. But, if you wake up and say I am healthy and filled with energy, you sure as hell will feel better than if you woke up and said the opposite. Now I am not saying I am the most positive thinker in the world, I am definitely guilty of my fair share of complaining, but I think even if you are sceptical, why not give it a go and then see how you feel. So, tomorrow morning wake up and say <i>"I am happy, healthy, energetic and loved", </i>keep the positive thoughts rolling all day long and see how it effects your day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know it can be controversial but I would love to hear what you think, mind over matter?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also I am sorry for the awful photo quality right now,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> having no one on hand to take a photo on my DSLR is a pain. So I had to use my phone as it is selfie efficient, but I am hoping to start to use my DSLR for photography in future - feeling all professional ;)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-70455295004130617302014-08-06T06:06:00.000-07:002014-08-08T07:22:12.555-07:00Let's Explore: Bricklane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bricklane is one of the most well known streets in East London, with its cultural history, buzzing vibes, amazing curries, artistic patterns and vintage fashions. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If anyone asked me when to go to Bricklane.. I would say on a Sunday! No other time compares to when your walking down the street and its bustling with people from all over the world. Be sure to get your people watching binoculars on as it is a great place to spot some of the latest vintage trends. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The markets fill the street with fashion and antiques, there is also huge options for all you fellow foodies to sit down and grab a bite or get something on the go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_gO9BR3xcQ/U9-UNTlM3nI/AAAAAAAAAdE/xZAKW9HVhSM/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_gO9BR3xcQ/U9-UNTlM3nI/AAAAAAAAAdE/xZAKW9HVhSM/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I spotted this little stall on the way down and couldn't resist a photograph of these man-vs-food wraps.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But what you really <b>MUST</b> do is experience the curry, Bricklane is famous for the best curry you can get in London!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first day I moved into my flat I headed down Bricklane for a curry, we even researched which was the best curry house in order to avoid disappointment. Disappointed we were not! In an attempt to dine like curry royalty we decided to try <a href="http://www.aladinbricklane.co.uk/" target="_blank">Aladin's</a>, after reading it had been praised by Prince Charles!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-Km0d1j6Pg/U94r-0mm4RI/AAAAAAAAAbg/EBL6-fgKZvU/s1600/10385473_10204090369118944_8901210497623341423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-Km0d1j6Pg/U94r-0mm4RI/AAAAAAAAAbg/EBL6-fgKZvU/s1600/10385473_10204090369118944_8901210497623341423_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went for the Vegetable Biryani and we shared a Peshwari Nan, sweet and stuffed with almonds and sultana. There is no words for this nan, I have never had a Peshwari that was like this one - it truly was sweet and tasty. With Biryani being my go to curry I was further impressed as this was definitely the best Biryani I have ever devoured, the portion of rice was generous and even enough for everyone else to dig in to! I had only wished for more sauce as it was so good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you feel like your stomach can't handle a curry and your wondering the streets for lunch, I would check out 'The Boiler House Food Hall', it has over 30 stalls of international culinary delights!! Your senses will never be so pleased as you step in to this place and experience being surrounded by food from all over the world, be prepared to 'ooo...' and 'aaah…' as you salivate approaching food heaven. TMI?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-QwrFGIZ9c/U9-TM8UpeyI/AAAAAAAAAcs/fV3V4aG8wcU/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-QwrFGIZ9c/U9-TM8UpeyI/AAAAAAAAAcs/fV3V4aG8wcU/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weekends ago I headed down there for lunch with Rosie we couldn't decide what to order, so we went for Ethiopian and Turkish and then split them, feasting in the open air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niCF-X87fTQ/U94pOjeXkbI/AAAAAAAAAbU/svFkjjJY_3E/s1600/10499195_805796269460594_1726109280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niCF-X87fTQ/U94pOjeXkbI/AAAAAAAAAbU/svFkjjJY_3E/s1600/10499195_805796269460594_1726109280_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our box of Ethiopian cuisine was all vegan friendly, filled with all types of beans, pulses, vegetables and olives in an Ethiopian style pancake. I couldn't tell you what half of it was but I would happily relive this moment, eating this meal again and again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Turkish box was um, not adventurously Turkish. With couscous, red cabbage slaw, more olives, lettuce, pickled long green peppers, halloumi and garlic sauce. This one was tasty but nothing compared to the Ethiopian box of dreams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8RTcHaRXtQ/U94v6AJmZ9I/AAAAAAAAAbs/491CLdnv41w/s1600/BuHXUWNIIAEg4D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8RTcHaRXtQ/U94v6AJmZ9I/AAAAAAAAAbs/491CLdnv41w/s1600/BuHXUWNIIAEg4D2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before our feast we headed into a few of the vintage stores, rummaging for some bargains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(What is great about London is the diverse style, you can really pick up some great tips just by getting outside and exploring the streets. Especially in East London, with the clashings of culture and fashion.. it is a place where anything goes and even the most extravagant looks won't be judged. That is what is so fantastic.. you can be whoever you want to be, wear whatever you want to wear and <b>just be you</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course with great alternative fashion, you need great music.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d01Xx4PNo48/U9-SMKxVbtI/AAAAAAAAAcc/nxSbIOP63UQ/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d01Xx4PNo48/U9-SMKxVbtI/AAAAAAAAAcc/nxSbIOP63UQ/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1I48iBEuaY/U9-SL3le_zI/AAAAAAAAAcY/6esk_yhA0wY/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1I48iBEuaY/U9-SL3le_zI/AAAAAAAAAcY/6esk_yhA0wY/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will catch some new up-and-coming bands as you walk down the cobbled streets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r9-WKFj1YI/U9-TbBsuXeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/9wQo-Zl3D2M/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r9-WKFj1YI/U9-TbBsuXeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/9wQo-Zl3D2M/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And don't forget to grab yourself a fresh juice on your way down!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xt-qC4zofY/U9-Tw5_a7bI/AAAAAAAAAc8/vUtNeHMIr9k/s1600/IMG_6855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xt-qC4zofY/U9-Tw5_a7bI/AAAAAAAAAc8/vUtNeHMIr9k/s1600/IMG_6855.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or a Pineapple.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-36302767690873584462014-08-04T04:48:00.001-07:002014-08-04T05:06:43.924-07:00Untitled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Relaxing weekend of blogging and Jesus.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-096ojmfRerM/U99w6QuoZ4I/AAAAAAAAAcI/QSR3tsG0j90/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-096ojmfRerM/U99w6QuoZ4I/AAAAAAAAAcI/QSR3tsG0j90/s1600/church.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-9297889071658989652014-08-03T02:12:00.003-07:002014-08-04T05:21:57.954-07:00My week in smiles #1<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Inspired by blogger <a href="http://www.ciderwithrosie.com/" target="_blank">Cider with Rosie</a> I have decided to do weekly posts about what I've had to <b>smile</b> about that week. I think this is a great way to <b>stay positive</b>, especially at times when you feel like the world is against you, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">a mindset I am trying to get myself </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">out of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been presented with such amazing opportunities to work and live in London and Sydney this next year, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">yet I feel all doom and gloom because of many sleepless nights and my body is not functioning as well as it should be which is really effecting my day-to-day life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I realise I shouldn't feel this way as I have so many things to be thankful for:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have an amazing family, my mum is my rock, she has always supported me and her </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">love is unconditional.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have amazing friends who are always there for me, even when I haven't been in contact with them for days or weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am able to walk, run and jump.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can breathe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am alive.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am lucky.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
Yet the small things in life seem to be getting me down and I have no right to feel this way, there is many people less fortunate than myself. They say your twenties are your best years, I want to look back on my twenties and smile, laugh and reminisce about everything good, not remember the time I spent in my bedroom feeling anxious, worrying about what I ate and complaining about how tired I am. Making myself sound really fun aren't I?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well I am ready for change! I am ready to <b>say YES </b>to every opportunity that comes my way, even if it is just going to the pub or going to grab an ice cream with my friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may have not started 2014 with the best mindset but I am certainly going end 2014 positively, being the best me I can be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I declare to everyone reading this post..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> SAY YES.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> TRY NEW THINGS.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> BE HAPPY.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> LAUGH.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> JOKE.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> SMILE.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I WILL<b> BE POSITIVE.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome to the first of many...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>10 things that've made me smile this week:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Phone calls with my mum, she always knows how to brighten the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Oats mixed with natural yogurt. How have I never mixed my porridge oats and yogurt before, such a satisfying breakfast, top it with berries and banana.. heaven in my mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. The sunshine. We have been incredibly lucky in Britain with summer sun this year, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love seeing everyone outside enjoying the weather, having barbecues, sunbathing in the parks, sipping on fruit smoothies… bliss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. My blog. I have been receiving so much support and feedback, I am truly grateful to every one of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. Daydreaming about flying to Australia next month!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. Church. I have met some amazing people through attending Church, such a great community and overwhelming love that I feel when I step into Church every Sunday, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">my relationship with God is constantly growing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. Coffee, all day every day. Getting me through those sleepless nights and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">early mornings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. Book Club. Reading is a great way to relax. I could spend hours in a good book shop, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the smell, the atmosphere, the feel of an untouched book as I turn the page for the first time...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The only problem is that I always manage to get over enthusiastic and buy too many books, then I get home, pile them high and wonder when I will actually be able to finish all these books, but then the cycle starts again every time I see a book shop or discover </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">a new book I would love to get my hands on - <i>Confessions of a book-a-holic. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
9. Pineapple. This is becoming my favourite summer fruit, so fresh!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10. Discovering the instagram of <a href="http://instagram.com/yamafujisun" target="_blank">@yamafujisun</a>, who posts the most adorable puppy images I have ever seen.. here is a snippet to get your puppy senses tingling:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwD2UCOE7rFuzTUKDdt6Y3LSwZGoPBzNcSzK8NwYcXBimRO1UiXbYDdQ6w5kvl0hpJluuwUj-d1hW0b4H2eNg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLxc85LD3Rw/U93wAKXx4OI/AAAAAAAAAbE/BqRVXYGJcHc/s1600/914412_469359863199494_1234063325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLxc85LD3Rw/U93wAKXx4OI/AAAAAAAAAbE/BqRVXYGJcHc/s1600/914412_469359863199494_1234063325_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Song of the week:</b> <i>Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This song is great to chill out to in the summer sun, 'X' is simply the perfect album.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Movie of the week: </b><i>About A Boy<b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A classic, hadn't watched this in awhile but after it was on TV on Saturday night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember how great this movie is!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Blogger of the week: </b><a href="http://www.ciderwithrosie.com/" target="_blank">Cider with Rosie</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course Rosie had to be my blogger of the week after inspiring these weekly posts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She has such a great lifestyle blog and is a beautiful writer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's been making you smile this week? :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753667308870120951.post-39683001197453442032014-07-30T10:30:00.003-07:002014-08-04T05:29:51.373-07:00The Skinny Bitch Collective Workout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you heard about Russell Bateman? If not, where have you been hiding?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJTwoI4Ybik/U9kp1oQRmwI/AAAAAAAAAZs/6UsOJikpKV4/s1600/SBCGIRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJTwoI4Ybik/U9kp1oQRmwI/AAAAAAAAAZs/6UsOJikpKV4/s1600/SBCGIRL.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesbcollective.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Skinny Bitch Collective</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: left;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Founder of The Skinny Bitch Collective (SBC) - The IT fitness programme for women, and training the likes of supermodels and athletes, it is fair to say this man is a womens health and fitness bible. Millie Mackintosh, Daisy Lowe and Suki Waterhouse are just a few names who put themselves under the paces of gruelling SBC workouts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not to mention his model and nutritionist girlfriend, Danielle Copperman, runs a pretty amazing blog - <a href="http://modelmangetout.com/" target="_blank">Model Mangetout</a> and creates the ever so popular Qnola - which you can currently find stocked at The Detox Kitchen in London.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Bateman preaches sex, sleep and squatting, and says your typical SBC class is a <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">combination strength and metabolic conditioning with primal movements for maximum results.. breaking a sweat thinking about it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scrkh6lebG4/U9kpfo4URKI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Ed4whPa4GVk/s1600/SBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scrkh6lebG4/U9kpfo4URKI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Ed4whPa4GVk/s1600/SBC.jpg" height="417" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SBC workshop photographs by Russell Bateman/SBC</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I guess you could say I am a fitness wannabe, l</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">over of all healthy eats and exercise, I head down to the gym, run like I think I am <a href="http://www.paularadcliffe.com/" target="_blank">Paula Radcliffe</a> and lift weights imagining I am going to walk out the gym the next <a href="http://paigehathaway.com/" target="_blank">Paige Hathaway</a>, b</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">ut in reality I am absolutely clueless and my fitness knowledge is honestly pretty basic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20px;">However, being in my "<b>I am the hulk</b>" fitness phase:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><i>"A phase where a person thinks they are far superior in stamina and muscle then they really are, and makes impulsive decisions based on this feeling"</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20px;">(Ok, so I just made that up).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I decided to sign up to one of SBC's exclusive workshops.</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Bad decision? You might think. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">The class definitely put me through my paces, including running, crawling, weighted movements, resistance bands.. the list is endless. The term 'f</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">ull body workout' is an understatement. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20px;">The verdict:</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">After struggling with weight loss, fatigue, lack of concentration and energy for at least 6 months now, I was destined to struggle with such an intense class, this was made more obvious when compared to the fitness fanatics that joined me in the SBC workout room. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">But I learnt a lot and knowledge is key. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i>Going to the gym and spending an hour on a cross-trainer four times a week is like going to the Tate gallery and spending your time looking at the cloakroom." - </i><a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/article/glossip-girl-inside-the-skinny-bitch-collective" target="_blank">Russell Bateman, Glossip Girl</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">I love this quote and must admit I have definitely been guilty of this in the past!</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> I can now take what I have learnt from SBC and put it into practice, work on my fitness ability and maybe next time I will conquer the unconquerable SBC class. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">It was ultimately an experience and a great one I would recommend it to those who are fit, know the key movements, have the correct form and feel confident with all of these - as the class is of high level. Russell was a great instructor and gave me fantastic advice at the end of the class, even offering his nutritional advice to help me gain muscle. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The class really made me want to get healthy again, as after experiencing rapid weight loss in which I lost all my curves, I really struggled with any movements you had to lie down for because of the pain of my back bones and hip bones on the floor. The class made me realise how unhealthy my body is, <b>HUGE WAKEUP CALL!</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">After the workout we all got some of Danielle Copperman's Qnola, which I am planning on doing a whole blog post for, let's just say it was divine. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLuTCguT6Q/U9kqad9tpNI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/yp2ix-7_y9A/s1600/qnola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLuTCguT6Q/U9kqad9tpNI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/yp2ix-7_y9A/s1600/qnola.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Danielle Copperman, Qnola. Image from <a href="http://detoxkitchen.co.uk/blog/qnola" target="_blank">The Detox Kitchen</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">I also seen a quote the other day that really resinated with me and was my main thought while getting the tube back to my flat:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>"I have never felt bigger then I did at my thinest" </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">I walked into SBC ready to work on my troublesome tummy, but I walked out ready to work on my health. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12868822472232977062noreply@blogger.com0