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.

Surviving a Commute: it's in the bag

I've been commuting from Surrey to London everyday for the past month now with a commute that takes exactly 2 hours from my door to my desk. During that time I've discovered a few things: That if my bus, train, and the underground line are running a good service it's like winning the lottery, that any usual British politeness completely disappears where train seats are involve (oh no worries, I've been standing here first for 15 minutes in the rain and in heels, but feel free to all but push me under the train for a seat), what it would feel like to be in a clown car, and that I'm roughly armpit height (Ew...just...Ew). So I've been coming up with ways to make a commute a little less miserable. The best way I've found to keep your journey from slowly crushing your soul is to have the right stuff with you. Here are my top commuter essentials:

1. A good-sized, structured bag:

I can't seem to survive my commute without a bag that's both big enough I could fit my dog in (not that I ever would, I'm not one of those people) and organised enough I don't lose everything. I could probably survive a zombie apocalypse for a week on the amount of stuff I shove in my bag every morning, so having a good one is so key.

I have my fair share of handbags, but this one that I got from Accessorize right after Christmas is my go-to bag for work. It's big enough to fit anything I need (including lunch and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes) plus it stays super organized. In every other bag I own, whatever I need automatically sinks to the bottom leaving me constantly rummaging for my phone, train ticket, ect. And making me either late, or run into things (oh, hello there wall, nice to see you). Look for a structured bag with lots of pockets. This one has two massive pockets on the outsides, one which is a padded tablet pocket (my iPad is loving it).

2. Hand sanitizer

I don't like to think of how many germs I come into contact with on public transport every day, but a mini bottle of hand sanitizer helps me fight them off. My favourite is the Pocket Bacs from Bath and Body Works, but I can't find them here in the UK. So I've been looking for something similar here (if anyone has some favs let me know). I don't like the ones that smell like alcohol but go for a scent that is clean, light and not overpowering so you aren't gagging your fellow commuters.

3. Cosy shoes

Maybe it's because I spent most of my youth in flip flops, but I can't seem to get through a day in work appropriate shoes without some blisters. For rushing around some comfy shoes are a must, but I can't bear to be one of those people in trainers and and suit (shudder). They may have the right idea, but I need to be a little more stylish. I think a pair of Toms might just be the Cinderella slippers of my commute. Comfy, but look a bit like flats, come in tons of colors, plus they are a feel good purchase since the company gives a pair of shoes to someone who need them. All around win.

4. Healthy, easy to eat snacks

Pick something that isn't messy so you don't get it all over you and the train and go for something fairly odorless, because there's nothing worse than having to sit next to someone eating stinky food. I usually go for a granola bar, dried fruit or nut mixes, all which are easy to eat on the go and full of fiber to keep you full. I also really like graze.com which delivers a box of healthy snacks to your house or work, they all come in their own punnets so it's easy to toss in a bag. Just avoid the dips for commuter time.

5. A tablet

No they don't come cheap, but my iPad has been my sanity saver. I've got a library, notebook, TV, music, game centre, ect without weighing down my bag (especially since I love a good thick book). I do a bit of blogging, watch a film, read the latest issue of Cosmopolitan, and next thing I know I'm there. Yes you could bring a laptop, but I find even a netbook is too heavy and cumbersome for public transport. Make sure it has a sturdy cover as it will probably get knocked around a bit in the rush hour hustle and bustle.

6. Travel umbrella

Especially if you live in the UK. Unless you enjoy being soggy at work. The smaller the better so it fits easily in a handbag, although I guess you could get a full-sized one and use it to fight your way onto the train, the choice is yours.

7. Mini Emergency kit

I keep a little coin purse with some little emergency items in it like plasters (bandaids), a nail file, paracetamol, eye drops, cotton buds, ect. Whatever little mini things might come in handy. Some other things I usually make sure I have: tissues, dental floss and a mini toothbrush, Berocca, and a travel sized deodorant (here's to wishing other London commuters would bring is along with them).

8. A leak proof travel mug

I love my morning Costa latte, but getting one everyday would cost me a fortune. But I need that bit of caffeine and something warm to keep me going in the morning. Getting a good coffee mug is better for your wallet and the environment. Try finding a leakproof one (amazon.co.uk has a few) so you can just toss it in your bag.

All my essentials! Ready for another long day!