New Glasses!

I stopped wearing glasses for years, my contacts became the first thing I put on and the last thing I took off, but after injuring my eye around Christmas (seriously don't ask, I'm the clumsiest person in existence) I had to wear my old glasses I hated for a few months. But today I got some new ones!

I was really after a purple pair and fell in love with these Roxy ones from Specsavers (£125). I needed a square shape to balance out my round face and a pair with frames that weren't too large or thick because I'm so small. I loved the fact they were Roxy as well, definitely appealed to my inner beach girl! They also have just a touch of sparkle were the logo is, which isn't too overtop, I don't really like glasses that scream what brand they are on the side. Specsavers had a really wide selection and a good deal where you could get either another pair free or the really good lenses free, which is what I got because I don't think I'll need two pairs once I start wearing contacts again. Oh and they also do a 25% student discount, and ok I'm not a student anymore, but I'll admit I still use my student card places, after all I'm much poorer now than I was as a student! (Oh student loans I miss you)

I'm loving these new ones right now and I'm even happier because I can see properly again!

Roxy 05 Glasses, Specsavers, £125

Favourite Things: London Calling

It's no secret that London is my favourite city in the entire world. I can't get enough of it. With one of my best friends coming to visit me in less than a month all the way from the states (yay!) and getting to see London for the first time, I went a bit London crazy with this post. Our house is bad enough as it is, Matt has gone for a very British theme in the decor here, from framed London print tea towels on the walls to this decoration in my room:








I've put together this little wish list of some of my favourite items showing some love for London online:

Accessorize Love London Weekender, £39
Uunique London Union Jack IPhone 4/4s case, £19.99
TopShop Ritz London Afternoon Tea Book, £6.99
TopShop Hello Kitty Mug Set, £9
Pandora London Bus Charm, £40
Paperchase All Stops Square Scrapbook, £10

Jewellery Corner: Pearl and Blue Swarovski Bracelet

I've been making and designing jewellery since I was in high school. It started out as a creative outlet and since I love to match my accessories, it was a great way to create a custom look.

I moved on and started to give them as gifts and then started selling pieces in a local art gallery back home. I hadn't made much in awhile but I grabbed out my beads the other day and made this little pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet.


The pieces I will be featuring on jewellery corner feature posts are for sale, so feel free to get in contact if you see something you like.

Fresh Starts

I've always loved Spring, not just because of the promise of warmer weather (which I'm still desperately waiting for) but also because it has always felt like a time for fresh new beginnings and de-cluttering my life.  For most people that mean having a big spring clean or clearing out your wardrobe of those why-the-hell-did-I-buy-this purchases but for me it meant letting go of things that weren't making me happy.  And that was my job.  I don't even know how to explain it, maybe it was that the company was disorganised or the area it was in, or maybe it was that the whole office had been under construction for the last month and paint fumes, hammering, and a lack of fridge were starting to get to me. The commute didn't seem worth it, especially for the pay.

It was scary leaving a place, but it was definitely time, I was really worried I wouldn't find anything else for awhile, but I got an internship FINALLY working in journalism paid and FINALLY in central London, I think a happy dance is in order here. It just goes to show where taking big scary risks can lead to really great things. I took a definite risk moving back to the UK last fall without a job or even a place planned out to live. Sometimes I didn't even know WHY I did it, originally I had planned to move back due to an relationship that didn't work out (thank god for that), but all I knew is I needed out of my tiny beach town. As lovely as it is where I'm from, it's one of those places where nothing moves forward, a place where you try and ignore reality. I end up moving in a house with two guys I didn't know (I felt like Jess in the first episode of New Girl) but risks have paid off, those guys turned out to be the best housemates, and one is now my boyfriend, and I'm finally going to be using my two degrees. It just goes to show that some of the best things happen if you just take a few risks.

Work Outfits From H&M

At my last internship the dress code was very casual, but now I'm looking for something wear Ill be dressing a bit smarter, but not boring. And anything i buy needs to be on a budget of course. I've always loved H&M for that, great prices, spot on trend, and a lot of great work pieces to mix and match. These were budget friendly but super stylish work outfits I picked out:

I took these pictures while still in the dressing room, the light and mirrors are a bit better than at my house.

I got the button down ages ago from H&M, but this new navy pencil skirt is my favourite wardrobe. It goes with almost anything and looks especially fab when paired with some of this seasons pastel colours like rose or cream. I love the way it creates an hour-glass shape, and its just £14.99.

The pink top is part of the store's new conscious line which uses greener, more sustainable fabrics. Based on the stuff I tried on, I really liked it. A lot of the fabrics are very lush and super soft. The printed skirt is really fun and flows and another piece that will go with just about everything.
Top: £14.99
Skirt: £19.90
The only downside to H&M is how teeny the waist of their clothes fit. I take my normal size in tops, but about 2 sizes bigger in bottoms. Just something to keep in mind if you order something online or don't have time to try on.

I ended up loving this dress as well, even if it was quite similar to the skirt, it just had such a nice fit.

Dress £29.99

Lemon Drizzle Cake

I've been super busy with work and lately it seems like the last thing I want to do when I get home is do more work on the computer, so I've gone a little MIA lately. I was thrilled to have a few lazy days catching up on everything. I also got do do some baking which I haven't had time for since i first moved in our house ages ago, it was Matt's birthday, we've both been a bit strapped for cash, I had really wanted to take him out for a meal. We ended up being a bit thrifty and going for a little day out and a coffee date and I made a first attempt at a lemon drizzle cake ( his fav) which is super easy and it turned out amazing (it's nearly gone already and I just make it last night!) But every recipe, and Matt, all seem to differ on the best way to make it. The one I based mine on is this one I found here:

http://www.theextraordinaryartofcake.com/2010/05/nigella-lawsons-perfect-every-time.html

Nigella Lawson - How To Be A Domestic Goddess

Lemon-Syrup Loaf Cake
125g unsalted butter
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs
175g self raising flour
pinch of salt
4 tablespoons milk

For the syrup:

juice of 1 and a half lemons
100g icing sugar

For the glaze:

juice of 1/2 a lemon
150g icing sugar

cook about 45 minutes at 180 degrees C or 350 F or until golden and cake tester comes out clean, then poke a few holes in it and slowly pour over the syrup, I used a bit less than the recipe said so it wasn't too overwhelmingly lemony or soggy.

It's turns out nice and moist, though I altered it the slightest bit. I coated the bottom of a glass dish with a layer of lemon curd (about the same amount as if you were putting jam on some toast) and I substituted a tablespoon of honey for a few grams of the sugar (mainly because we were nearly out of caster sugar, but I think it gave it a little something extra). I think Matt really enjoyed it. Plus it's super cheap to make since I had all the basics already and only had to get the lemon curd which only 60p, so it's a great dessert if you need something last minute.

I didn't really know what to get him, but since we haven't had much time for dates lately and have been stressed, I thought a day at Thorpe Park would be perfect, but this weather's been so cold we're saving it for some hopefully warmer days ahead.