My week in smiles #4

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!

1. Ice cream cake for my birthday in Australia. I always remember this cake being the best birthday cake I had ever had. 

2. My Grandma was GLAMOROUS! She loved her makeup, getting her hair done and a pamper. I always remember her dyeing her hair.

3. Making french toast together.

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?

5. Bingo! Grandma loved bingo.. but who doesn't! 

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. 

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.

8. Spending precious time together. Every moment no matter how small I am grateful for.

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. 

10. Memories. Grandma may now be in the heavens but she will always be in our hearts, her memories will never leave us.

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.

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!

Song of the week: MNEK - Wrote A Song About You Last Night. Such a great track, I am obsessed!

Movie of the week: 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.

Blogger of the week: The Londoner. 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!

My week in smiles #3

The weeks are passing so fast, right? I can't believe this is the third weekly smiles post… spoiler alert: 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!

1. Spotting men with beards. A man with a beard and tattoos is becoming my guilty pleasure. Dreamy.
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.
3. Stevia. I have recently developed a coffee sweet tooth, Stevia makes this craving slightly more innocent.
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.
5. Snuggling up in my duvet. I love summer, but appreciating the cooler nights this week.
6. The advice and wisdom from friends and family. I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful and caring people.
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.
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.
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.
10. Blog reading. Spending my weekend armed with a cuppa and a good blog.

Song of the week: 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.

Movie of the week: 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! 

Blogger of the week: Catherine Sprunt aka Sprunting. 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!

My week in smiles #2

HELLO. Happy Sunday. 

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. 

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!

Here are a few things that have made me smile this last week:

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. 

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!

3. Andrew Johnson - Deep Sleep. This man has been talking me to sleep every night. Zzzz..

4. Lindt 70% dark chocolate. Made baby steps to find my balance, haven't had dessert/chocolate in weeks until today!

5. Cuckoo - Taylor Lautner. Need I say more?

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.. 

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!

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.

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?

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. 

Song of the week: Jesus Culture - Your Love Never Fails. This song cheers me up within seconds!
Movie of the week: The Wedding Planner. Is it just me that misses seeing Jennifer Lopez in movies?
Blogger of the week: Thumbelina Lillie - for making the #ProjectBareAll tag!

#ProjectBareAll - I Got Naked.

Don't be alarmed, you are not about to witness my naked booty. 

I stumbled on to a blogger called Zoe Newlove, 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 her blog. Inspired by Thumbelina Lillie, 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 here. Girl power is an incredible force and since many bloggers and readers have wiped off their makeup and joined in.

Confidence - #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.. nothing but your natural beauty. 

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.

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. 

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? 

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.

Before I end this post, I have a confession:

I have been reading a Lousie Hay book called 'The Power is Within You', 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 "when people start to love themselves more each day, its amazing how their lives change"... 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 am happy, healthy, energetic and loved", keep the positive thoughts rolling all day long and see how it effects your day.

I know it can be controversial but I would love to hear what you think, mind over matter?

Also I am sorry for the awful photo quality right now, 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 ;)

Untitled

Relaxing weekend of blogging and Jesus.

Happy Monday!

My week in smiles #1

Inspired by blogger Cider with Rosie I have decided to do weekly posts about what I've had to smile about that week. I think this is a great way to stay positive, especially at times when you feel like the world is against you, 
a mindset I am trying to get myself out of.
I have been presented with such amazing opportunities to work and live in London and Sydney this next year, 
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.
I realise I shouldn't feel this way as I have so many things to be thankful for:

I have an amazing family, my mum is my rock, she has always supported me and her 
love is unconditional.
I have amazing friends who are always there for me, even when I haven't been in contact with them for days or weeks.
I am able to walk, run and jump.
I can eat.
I can breathe.
I am alive.
I am lucky.

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?

Well I am ready for change! I am ready to say YES 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.
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.

So I declare to everyone reading this post..

I WILL SAY YES.
I WILL TRY NEW THINGS.
I WILL BE HAPPY.
I WILL LAUGH.
I WILL JOKE.
I WILL SMILE.
I WILL BE POSITIVE.

Welcome to the first of many...

10 things that've made me smile this week:

1. Phone calls with my mum, she always knows how to brighten the day.

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.

3. The sunshine. We have been incredibly lucky in Britain with summer sun this year, 
I love seeing everyone outside enjoying the weather, having barbecues, sunbathing in the parks, sipping on fruit smoothies… bliss.

4. My blog. I have been receiving so much support and feedback, I am truly grateful to every one of you.

5. Daydreaming about flying to Australia next month!

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, 
my relationship with God is constantly growing.

7. Coffee, all day every day. Getting me through those sleepless nights and 
early mornings.

8. Book Club. Reading is a great way to relax. I could spend hours in a good book shop, 
I love the smell, the atmosphere, the feel of an untouched book as I turn the page for the first time...
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 
a new book I would love to get my hands on - Confessions of a book-a-holic.  

9. Pineapple. This is becoming my favourite summer fruit, so fresh!

10. Discovering the instagram of @yamafujisun, who posts the most adorable puppy images I have ever seen.. here is a snippet to get your puppy senses tingling:

 

Song of the week: Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
This song is great to chill out to in the summer sun, 'X' is simply the perfect album.
Movie of the week: About A Boy 
A classic, hadn't watched this in awhile but after it was on TV on Saturday night
I remember how great this movie is!
Blogger of the week: Cider with Rosie
Of course Rosie had to be my blogger of the week after inspiring these weekly posts. 
She has such a great lifestyle blog and is a beautiful writer.

What's been making you smile this week? :)

The Skinny Bitch Collective Workout

Have you heard about Russell Bateman? If not, where have you been hiding?

The Skinny Bitch Collective

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.

Not to mention his model and nutritionist girlfriend, Danielle Copperman, runs a pretty amazing blog - Model Mangetout and creates the ever so popular Qnola - which you can currently find stocked at The Detox Kitchen in London.

Bateman preaches sex, sleep and squatting, and says your typical SBC class is a combination strength and metabolic conditioning with primal movements for maximum results.. breaking a sweat thinking about it. 

SBC workshop photographs by Russell Bateman/SBC

I guess you could say I am a fitness wannabe, lover of all healthy eats and exercise, I head down to the gym, run like I think I am Paula Radcliffe and lift weights imagining I am going to walk out the gym the next Paige Hathaway, but in reality I am absolutely clueless and my fitness knowledge is honestly pretty basic.

However, being in my "I am the hulk" fitness phase:

"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"

(Ok, so I just made that up).
I decided to sign up to one of SBC's exclusive workshops. 
Bad decision? You might think. The class definitely put me through my paces, including running, crawling, weighted movements, resistance bands.. the list is endless. The term 'full body workout' is an understatement. 

The verdict: 
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. But I learnt a lot and knowledge is key. 

"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." - Russell Bateman, Glossip Girl

I love this quote and must admit I have definitely been guilty of this in the past! 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. 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. 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, HUGE WAKEUP CALL! 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. 

Danielle Copperman, Qnola. Image from The Detox Kitchen.

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:

"I have never felt bigger then I did at my thinest" 

I walked into SBC ready to work on my troublesome tummy, but I walked out ready to work on my health. 

New Beginnings

UPDATE

21/06/14 - I MOVED TO LONDON.

Ok, so I am starting this blog a little later then I had first anticipated. I had been planning on writing this before the big move, but with all the madness… I am writing this 26/07/14 - over a month later…

But I am finally settled.

I have a flat.

In Shoreditch, London.

I am interning with a designer.

She designs for interior furnishings.

She is lovely, which makes the days fly by.

London life is hectic.

I have found it hard to keep in contact with people as much as I had hoped.

So, I have started this blog.

To keep my friends and family in the loop.

And anyone else who may be interested on my interning journey in the capital.

I also have to write a report in order to achieve my Diploma in Professional Studies.

This will be gained after completing my year in industry, and will accompany my BA hons degree.

The essay will focus on my year and experiences.

I am secretly hoping they will let me submit this.

Wishful thinking...