Gazelle

15th May 2015

I’ve been really digging trainers lately. Wearing nothing but this sporty style throughout my teenage years as soon as I discovered high heels and a more feminine style I ditched my old faithfuls and didn’t look back.

With the fashion world saturated with trainers lately, from the ever popular New Balance to the latest on the scene Adidas Superstar Colour range it was inevitable I was going to cave at some point and although I did almost purchase a pink pair of the Superstar trainers in the end I opted for something a little bit more classic and something I’ve had my eye on for quite a while.

Tee: Uniqlo | Skirt: New Look | Trainers: Adidas at ASOS

I love the retro look of the Adidas Gazelle shoes and this pink pair went in to the ASOS sale a few weeks ago at a bargain price of £40. This colour (and price) is no longer available but there are plenty of alternatives should you be unable to resist like I was! They make the perfect partner for this A-Line denim skirt from New Look. The perfect A-Line skirt has been on my Spring wish list since they first started hitting shops but I couldn’t bring myself to part with the cash that some shops are asking for. At £19.99 this one from New Look had both the right price AND the right length (my other main issue) and I see this becoming a real wardrobe staple over the next few months.

This set of photos was another that Ben and I took when we went up to Melton Mowbray before my birthday. It was freezing cold when we took them but as we drove past the alleyway leading to the vast open field we couldn’t help but stop and grab some shots. It might not be the interesting city scenes that most bloggers favour but there is something so charming about the English countryside that I’m always drawn to taking photos there- that and I’m not quite brave enough to just pose and prance about in the streets for fear of people thinking I’ve lost the plot.

Are you a fan of trainers? I’ve since purchased a pair of New Balance as well (oops) and I’m quite afraid my Summer sandals won’t get a look in this year!

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Escape to the Countryside

08th May 2015

To kick start my Birthday celebrations, which feels like a lifetime ago already Ben and I headed up to stay with his parents for the weekend. He’s recently passed his driving test and has a car so it was the first time we were able to suit ourselves around timing and not be reliant on public transport or needing other people to ferry us around.

On the Saturday he took me on a little tour of Melton Mowbray where he grew up. I was already somewhat familiar with the town centre from previous visits but had absolutely no idea that there was also a country park- how something so vast could have remained so hidden from me I don’t know! Over 100 acres of land with lakes, streams, grass, fields and playgrounds galore this really needed a whole day to explore. We dodged the rain showers and had a little walk through just part of the park…a return visit is needed very soon, complete with picnic and sensible shoes.

Dress c/o Quiz Clothing| Boots: New Look

I just love this dress from Quiz, I always feel good when I wear it. The structured shape and off the shoulder neckline add a touch of glamour and we all know I can’t resist a good floral print. These boots are ancient now and I wish I could find some similar to replace them with as they are long past their best- do let me know if you come across any!

Having felt like I’ve needed a break from routine for ages this weekend was the perfect escape. Long lie-ins and discovery new places, catching up with Ben’s family and being reunited by Tobias (who is in disgrace after killing two baby bunnies). I came back feeling relaxed and refreshed and ready to start again.

I wish we had a country park near to where I live with my parents, I find these kind of places are so serene, the perfect hideaway for when you need to unwind and escape from the pressures of every day life.

Where do you go to chill out?

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The Ups and the Downs

04th May 2015

One of the many reasons I love living in (well, near) Bristol is that one minute you’re in the hustle and bustle of a busy city centre and the next you can be somewhere so calm and quiet that it feels like another country.

“The Downs” is a huge open space made up of Clifton Down and Durdham down and in the Summer it’s awash with people- from the dog walkers to the runners, from young families having a picnic to the sweet elderly couples walking hand in hand. It’s a brilliant place to people watch and there are some pretty spectacular views on offer too, the most impressive of which has to be Avon Gorge which features the famous Clifton Suspension bridge- an iconic part of Bristol City.

The other weekend Ben and I ventured up there to chill out for a while- despite being busy there is always a quiet spot somewhere. We also took the opportunity to branch out with outfit photo locations…I’m getting quite used to prancing around in public now.

Top: New Look (similar) | Dress: River Island at ASOS | Boots: Missguided

The downs could also kind of describe how I’ve been feeling lately, as life hasn’t been the easiest. For as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with my mental health and the last few months have been testing to say the least.
I know a few people have commented and expressed concern over my weight and all I can say on that is I’m working on it- working on getting it back to where it was a year ago. Mood wise things are finally picking up, thanks to a tweak in medication and the unwavering support of my friends, boyfriend, family, colleagues and awesome GP I feel in a happier place right now and I’m starting to enjoy life a bit more again. Next on the agenda is to break out of my self imposed social isolation- any volunteers for dragging me out of the house?

Do you have any places near where you live that you like to escape to?

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In Bloom with iFlorist

29th April 2015

I love fresh flowers and between my Mum and I we always have some in the house (provided Mae hasn’t destroyed them on sight). I was recently sent the most gorgeous bouquet via iFlorist, a flower site I hadn’t heard of prior to them working with e-tail PR and I just couldn’t resist snapping a picture or ten to share on the blog.

Safari Blush bouquet c/o iFlorist

100% gorgeous right? The Safari Blush features some of my favourite blooms with prices starting at £29.90 is excellent value (when compared with other flower sellers). This has really brightened up our conservatory and came securely packaged in perfect condition. At the time of writing this post the flowers have been on display for five days are show no signs of giving up any time soon- I reckon we’ll easily get another five out of them (providing we can dissuade Mae from stealing any more heads off of the roses).

I think flowers do make the most wonderful gift; for birthdays, anniversaries, mother’s day or just to say “I’m thinking of you” and I wouldn’t hesitate to place an order with iFlorist when I’m next looking to put a smile on someone’s face. With free delivery and greetings cards available plus a whole host of optional extras this one of the prettiest, easiest to use sites I’ve come across with a stunning range and huge variety available.

What is your favourite flower? Mine is a toss up between the humble Daisy or it’s lookalike Gerbera…but Roses, Tulips and Lilies aren’t far behind. We’ve had to stop buying the latter due to our flower loving feline (and I’m not convinced the roses and tulips are good for her either but even when we don’t have flowers in the house she does a trawl of the garden/neighbour’s gardens with no ill effect).

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