Monthly Archives: May 2014

In to the Wild

26th May 2014
The weekend before last, back when we were enjoying the mini heatwave that engulfed England Ben and I decided to hop on our bikes and cycle to a bit of local area we were yet to explore. It’s a long time since I was able to just hop on a bike and go anywhere, and longer still since I was then able to walk for a few hours through hilly woodland terrain…the combination of my recent achievement, the glorious weather and quality time with the boyfriend taking in stunning views made for the best Sunday I’ve had in ages.
We packed up a picnic, slapped on some suncream and headed off, camera in tow to Limebreach Wood where we followed parts of two nature trails. Another time we are going in the opposite direction and visiting Cadbury Camp, a glorious area rich in local history- but that’s another day, for now here are just a few of the hundreds of photos we took.
There’s nothing like taking in the beauty of nature, whilst watching a foal chasing it’s Mother around a field to make you appreciate life. With a healthy mind and body at long last, and a yearning to be outside, discovering what the local area has to offer, I really cannot wait for more adventures like this one. If you want to see a bigger version of any of the photos then just click on them.
How well do you know your local area? I’m lucky in that we’re surrounded by places just like this one…spoilt for choice and no longer taking it for granted. Ben may regret this though, as I stand making him take endless photos of said horse and foal, moaning about stinging nettles and walking in to tree branches.

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Posted in life, life stuff

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Jelly Baby

25th May 2014
I tried to resist, really I did, but it seems resistance is futile when shoes and bags are concerned and I’ve fallen in love with the trend for all things plastic. I never thought I’d see the day where I was lusting over jelly shoes, or rubber bags but here I am, presenting to you my current wish list from Sarenza and Pauls Boutique

On the shoe front (from top left) there’s the Melissa violetta, Michael Kors MK Jelly Plate and the Samba by Lemon Jelly all from Sarenza. Bag wise, it’s serious crush time on the Translucent Molly style from Pauls Boutique. I’ve pictured the hot pink and the blue bags, but there is pretty much a rainbow of fun, summery colours available and they are so perfect for days out or a holiday in the sun.

Plastic Fantastic! What do you think? Have you caved in to the jelly trend? These aren’t jelly shoes in the traditional sense- but a pair of those have already found themselves in my shoe-drobe!

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Posted in sarenza, wish list

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Beauty Brilliance- Monu Collagen Eye Cream

24th May 2014
I never was one to worry about getting wrinkles, that was until last year when at the grand old age of 26 I was starting to notice rather a few. Suddenly I found myself focusing on them far too much and feeling guilty that I had neglected my skin for so long! Since then I’ve been removing makeup, exfoliating and moisturising like a mad woman and things were looking better, apart from around my eyes. I have really sensitive skin and found my eyes got really sore and irritated by most products, still, when Monu sent me their Collagen Eye Cream (£26.95) I thought I’d give it a go as it sounded pretty skin kind to me.
First off, apologies for my wonky beauty photography, I have a lot to learn! I wasn’t brave enough to do before and after shots but after a week or so of using this eye cream I can safely say I love it and so do my eyes. Within the first couple of days of using this morning and night my skin felt much more comfortable and looked more hydrated- goodbye sunken, dark circles! A few more days and the fine lines around my eyes were less visible to the naked eye and things just looked brighter in general.
You only need the smallest amount of this cream, which is rich yet fresh when you apply it. Full of Marine Collagen, Evening Primrose Oil and Polysaccharides (bascially, all the good things) I will be repurchasing this when it runs out. At £26.95 is probably middle of the road in terms of eye cream pricing and the 15ml pump dispenser tube will last me, I reckon a good 4-5 months.
Monu is a brand I’ve not used before but will feature heavily in my future- there is a range of body products that I’d love to try as well as promising sounding anti-blemish treatment. I feel I should mention everything is natural and contains so harsh chemicals so I’m very confident about using the entire range on my skin.
If you’ve used the brand before I’d love to know what you think and what I should try next!

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Posted in beauty

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Primrose

23rd May 2014
What a difference some sunshine makes eh? Last weekend was just beautiful and it was brilliant to ditch the cardigans and jackets and feel the warmth on bare skin. Summer weather makes me so happy…sometimes I seriously contemplate moving to a country with a more constant source of sun.

Dress: Primark | Shoes c/o Yull Shoes

I wouldn’t usually pair such a jazzy pair of shoes with a patterned dress but for some reason this combination just worked. You can’t really see the shoes, but they are the Primrose style in Purple from my favourite footwear brand, Yull. I actually own a prototype pair of the Primrose shoes too, and they are my second favourite style by Yull, my favourite being the Chelsea Flower range and they are so comfortable and well made, with the perfect heel height for day time wearing.
The dress is a recent Primark purchase and cost, I think, £10 which wasn’t too bad. It’s a lovely material and hangs nicely but it is a bit on the short side and I remember when the most expensive dresses in Primark were only £10…now they are pretty much double that, and on principal I rebel against buying those (although I’m not sure why!)
I do find Primark quite hit and miss, but lately I’ve bought a lot from there and there’s still a lot more left I love. Alas, I’m feeling a bit too skint even for there at the moment after recent purchases but give me a few months and I’ll be heading back for another haul.
Have you found any gems in Primark lately? TGIF!

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Posted in outfits, shoes

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Blushing Beautiful

22nd May 2014
I’m a bit obsessed with dresses, so when Wallis announced a dress edit campaign I was ready and raring to get browsing. I do love a bit of Wallis, I don’t shop there much but Mum does and I often find myself borrowing her pieces- and I believe once I accidentally ended up with one of her handbags after using it for so long she forgot it was hers!
With Summer full of special occasions to dress up for I’m working on a little theme today; occasion wear in a range of beautiful blush shades; in my eyes that’s PINK, from the palest of hues to a full on fuchsia. I’ve popped some of my favourite dresses from Wallis’ vast selection below, hopefully you’ll find some inspiration there for a wedding, garden party of prom.
1. I think this coral pink chiffon dress is stunning, and perfect for a Summer party with some statement heels and an arm full of bangles. I already own something really similar to this and I plan to style it up with gold accessories if I get a hot invitation over the coming months.
2. This pink lace keyhole dress would be perfect for a wedding, it’s super flattering and in one of this season’s hottest colours. If I didn’t already have my outfit for a friend’s July wedding this would be a strong contender.
3. It might be pushing it to put this multi sequin print maxi dress under the pink category but it is a heavily featured colour on it, and it was just too stunning not to feature. I always find maxi dresses surprisingly versatile, and this one would be wonderful for a nice meal out, or just for a day shopping in town with friends…the right footwear is key for the occasion!
4. I love this pink lace dress. Perhaps it’s my new found bingo wings talking, but something that hides the top of my arms appeals quite a lot right now and as this is quite a neutral colour it can be styled for several events in a row whilst always looking different. I actually think this would be really nice for a prom, with some fun accessories, who said you have to go for a full on ball gown?!
5. Ok so this clearly isn’t a dress, but I love pink and gold together and couldn’t help but pop this sparkle box clutch bag in to the post…I’m thinking this is actually going to end up being the bag I take to my friend’s wedding as I’m going for gold accessories, I love the shape and think I’ll just about be able to squidge in essentials for the day!
Be sure to check out the dress edit on the Wallis website, they have some really stunning pieces at some really awesome prices…and I have to say, although they might be a little more expensive than some high street brands you get what you pay for as everything wears and washes perfectly.

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Posted in wish list

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