Expect the Unexpected...

Wow-wee, what a weekend!  MASSIVE WARNING - super picture heavy post!

As some of you may know Monday is my Birthday, however I didn't actually have anything planned for the weekend as I was meant to be in Ireland for my cousins Christening, but due to the ridiculous ticket prices, I had to pull out rather last minute.  Anyway, as I was saying as I had nothing planned for the weekend, I thought it was going to be a boring ol' weekend sat as home for most of it by myself, man how I was wrong.

It all started on Friday when my bestest bud Jac happened upon 2 free tickets for the Boom Boom Club, an outrageous, quickly and rib tickling night of comedy, dance and cabaret.

The club was held in the perfectly weird and wonderful Old Vic Tunnels, a maze of old musty railway tunnels hidden away from the public eye, but with great acoustics and bars tucked under bridges it made for the perfect venue.  Unfortunately The Boom Boom Club played its last night their on Saturday, but the Old Vic Tunnels always has something going on.  The acts included a guy reading extracts from Mills and Boon, Miss Kitty Bang Bang who we last encountered on our trip to see the Burlesque Hurly Burly show and a band which played kind of Russian sea music - all completely memorising and fabulous to see.  There were many rooms to the Tunnels, with a lady swinging on a Crescent Moon, a man balancing on his hands on two poles to a lady dangling from the ceiling on a hula hoop.

c/o Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks

It can only be described as a tantalising night out with a difference - I highly recommend you check the show and venue out!

Saturday saw me and Ma off to Southbank to visit the Vinatge Village, part of the Vintage Festival which was on this weekend.  The Vintage Village was just around the corner to the Royal Festival hall and free to get into.  

It was like you had died and gone to vintage heaven! There were stalls upon stalls of vintage goods from clothes and accessories to furniture and crockery.  There were women with fabulous 1940's curls and red lipstick, and men with pristine moustaches and walking canes.  An amazing sight to see, topped off with a mini fairground and candy floss.  

There was even a salon where you could have your hair done, which I just couldn't pass up:

Fabulous no?  We spent the entire day wandering in and out of stalls, ohh-ing and ahh-ing about all the vintage delights on display.

In the evening I went to meet Jac and her hubby for drinks - they had paid to get inside, so popped out to say hello - both looking fabulous.

By pure luck someone was on their way home and offered me her ticket for 1/2 price (£30) - still a bit steep, but judging by the village I just had to go in.  

It had floors and floors of vintage stalls and we boogied the night away in the the various bars, Let it Rock with its old school Rock'n'Roll, the Disco Balcony bar overlooking the River Thames and two floors of the Torch Club, one backed with frilly skirts, brogues and couples who really knew how to swing, the other with giant disco balls and a big band.  An absolutely awesome event that I'm sad to see over.

Today was a slightly more relaxed day, spending with my friend in her back garden chilling out in the glorious sunshine, eating BBQ sausages and munching on my mini Birthday cake.  I then popped home this evening to find yet another cake waiting for me. WOOHOOO I'm so caked out right now!

And here's a what I wore today - I managed to keep one of the curls in too!

Dress & Flower Ring - Primark | Sandals - Custom made in Vietnam | Headscarf - Vintage (from Vintage Village)

So all in all an absolutely amazing weekend, and it goes to show you don't need to plan everything to have an exciting adventurous Birthday.

I will be continuing my celebrations all week (yes that right I have a Birthday Week), so keep you eyes peeled  for more Birthday related posts, and all you UK peeps don't forget to enter my BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY.

Did you guys have an awesome weekend?

Speak Soon xxx

PS. Here's something to Swing out the weekend in style - Ondrej Havelka & His Melody Makers

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Birthday Countdown: GIVEAWAY

As mentioned in my last post it's my Birthday on Monday and I'm super excited!!!! And to get everyone in the celebratory spirit I thought I'd do a lovely GIVEAWAY! yay for you guys - though I'm afraid it's open to UK peeps only.

The lovely gang over at Zalando are offering up an impressive £30 for you spend on their site.

 

Just take a look at those lovely jubblies - I'm pretty sure you won't have a problem finding something you like!

The rules are simple:

1. You must be in the UK.

2.  Follow me either on Google reader or Bloglovin' (tell me in you comment which one it is).

3. Check out the Zalando site and tell me what you would spend your £30 on.

4. Leave a comment with your contact details and your selection and even how you've decided to follow me.

Simples!  I will be announcing the winner at the end of my birthday week Friday 5th August, using random.org. Good Luck everyone!!!

Speak Soon xxx

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Making a spectacle of myself...

Top - Gok Wan | Bottom - Specsaver's own

On Friday I collected my brand spanking new glasses and I love love love them!!! It was 2 for 1 in Specsavers and I get money off from work so I got 2 pairs for the impressive price of £75 - what a bargain.  I'm randomly quite sad I only have to wear them for computer/TV use because I really want to wear them 24/7.  What do you guys think?

Sadly all my plans for Sunday went completely tits up, but I still had an awesome day.  I still went to see a sneak preview of Captain America, which is exactly what you would expect it to be, cheesy, funny and action packed, the CGI isn't to shabby either - I recommend going to see it if your after a fun-no-brain-required-film, thumbs up from me.

However my friend I was meeting for lunch canceled as it was his last day in the country and he had loads of rushing around to do.  If you follow me on Instagram (the most awesome app ever) you'll know that instead I had a scrumptious Sunday Roast and sipping mixed berry Cider in Angel.

I then met my Ma for a bit of a wander around the fabulous (but overpriced) vintage and antique shops in the glorious and very much missed sunshine of London.  

My plans of being a +1 for the Noah & The Whale iTunes festival were also scarpered as my friends  plane from Edinburgh was delayed and she couldn't make it to the gig in time and after a certain point they give your tickets away :( sad times, but hey-ho what you going to do, so I decided to make do with the sunshine.

Dress & Boots - H&M | Necklace - Forever 21

My friend bought back this gorgeous necklace from America - I'm so happy there's a Forever 21 opening here in London.

Nail Polish - Barry M (Mint Green) | Sunglasses - Primark

And though completely coincidentally I love how my sunnies and nail polish matched perfectly yesterday!

It's my Birthday next Monday, and I'm super excited so expect some Birthday related posts coming up...

How was everyone else's weekend? Did everything go to plan?

Speak Soon xxx

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Lazy Days...

Cardigan - Spain | Top, Necklace & Hair-band - H&M | Leggings - Topshop | Shoes - New Look

This is an outfit is from earlier this week and one of my favourite up-do's which you can find a tutorial here.  I know it's not a very Summery outfit though it has not been very Summer-like outfit here in London Town.

Today so far has been a very lazy day for me, I'm still in my PJ's (at 2.45pm) watching Come Dine with Me, perfect way to spend a Saturday, though I am going to pop out later today to pick up my new lens - I'm super excited!  

Tomorrow is a rather exciting day too with a sneak preview of Captain America which looks quite good, and then going to see Noah & The Whale - my friend won iTunes festival tickets and she's taking me as her +1 - YAY!

So as I said in my last post I went to see Harry Potter - I thought it was great, I just can't believe it's all come to an end!  I did wait around to see my name in the credits, I was so chuffed and left with a HUGE grin on my face.

Everyone else having a good weekend?

Speak Soon xxx

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Return of the Space Invaders...

 

Cardigan & Necklace - Portobello | Top, Shorts & Boots - H&M | Tights - Primark | Headscraf - Vintage

I know I keep harping on about the rubbish Summer weather here in London, but it has really got to me - when oh when will I be able to make use of my Summer wardrobe?! Jeez Mother Nature please give us a break!

Anyhow, enough of my whining, at least I still get to wear my chunky knits - whoop whoop, and here is the latest addition to my collection which my darling mother picked up in Portobello Market.

It reminds me of the old Space Invaders and it's super comfy and colourful - a perfect way to jazz up any outfit,  I also decided to add even more patterns to my outfit with these cheap and cheerful spair of potty tights!

So last night I attended my first 'socialising' event held by The Culture Club.  Basically I was on the hunt for a photography club/group in London - somewhere where I can go to meet new people and also learn, but something less formal than a course.  So while trawling the internet I stumbled upon The Culture Club which is hosting a workshop that takes place on 13th August.   I thought I'd do a little research and see what kinda people go to these things and see if they we're like minded so rocked up to their Meet & Mingle event held in Camden, and dragged my sister with me.  

I was so nervous, but the venue was a cool little pub everyone was friendly and welcoming which immediately eased my fears, it had a 'speed dating' style to it, or as they called it 'speed greeting'', with 5 questions to ask, though you didn't have to stay sitting in the one place, or ask the questions, you could move around and to the bar etc.  The only real gripe was that the 'speed greeting' shouldn't have gone on for the full 2hours as in my opinion didn't give much time properly relax and get talking to everyone.  

The outcome?  Everyone seemed lovely and had similar interests from what I could tell, but I won't be going to another one - it's just not my cup of tea, but I may still may attend their Photography Workshop - unless anyone else has any better suggestions for the London area?

And finally I'm off to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollow: Part II and my name in the credits. WOOOHOOO so I'm super excited, just can't wait!

Anyone else joined any clubs recently or thoughts on Harry Potter?

Speak Soon xxx

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Red and Yellow and Pink and Blue...

I'm afraid no outfit posts from this weekend as the heavens opened and is was just impossible to get any kind of decent shot outside, but I did don the wellies.

Anyway yesterday I popped into town to get the lens I have finally settled on (Tamron 17-50mm) however much to my dismay they had run out! Booo, but I've got in on order and should be able to collect it next weekend. YAY!  So not to return home empty handed I popped into TIGER it's the most awesome shop that sells loads of random stuff from clocks to canvases to stationary, but at really cheap prices - perfect.  I happened to spy a 40 pack of A4 decorative paper for only £2, bargain, and I thought it would come in handy for all my (new) arts and crafts adventures.

As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to use them, so I decided to cover yet another one of my notebooks in this rather pretty patchwork design

I basically took 3 sheets from the book and chopped them up into little rectangles and with PVA in hand set about covering my book.  I think it looks rather cute and another simple yet stylish way to cover a dull notebook.  What do you guys think?

I also picked up a storage jar in another shop to store all my pens...

...simple yet cute, I call it my jar'o'pens.  You see I have an (unhealthy) obsession with pens and notebooks - it would be less unhealthy if I could actually draw but I can't, though I am beginning to practise more and more, maybe I'll show you guys my doodles one day.

How was everyone else's weekend? Were you out sunning yourselves or cowering from the rain?

Speak Soon xxx Pin It

In All Weathers...

The weather here in London has been all over the place, it was really hot, then really quite chilly and now that we've hit the weekend it hasn't stopped raining and weatherman has promised Thunderstorms!  Jeez Louise, so much for Summer!

Today I am heading across London to catch up with a friend, though looking outside I think I need wellies today.  Here is an outfit that I wore this week on one of the chillier days

Cardigan - H&M | Dress - Lime Soda | Tights - Primark | Necklace - Vintage | Boots - Urban Outfitters

On Wednesday was the biggest Softball game of the year, our company versus our biggest rivals.  It's such a good laugh, everyone goes down to watch the game, taunt the other team (in a friendly way of course) and generally have a good time, and the best thing about this year? We whooped ass and won!!! YAY  Needless to say it was a long celebratory night, and I was feeling a little worse for wear the next day at work :)

Here are just a few pics from the evening -

C/O Gzilla

C/O Gzilla

C/O Gzilla

I just can't wait for next years game already!

Did anyone else have any exciting events this week? What's everyone's plan for the weekend?

Speak Soon xxx

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♥ The Wings that stole my Heart ♥

Ring - So Hi Soho

So if you follow me on Twitter you'll know that yesterday I popped out for lunch and returned with a £38 ring - EEKS!  But boy is it a beaut, it was love at first sight and totally stole my heart, it's so pretty and quirky and fits my finger perfectly, what's not to love?

Vest Top, Jumper, Shorts - H&M | Sandals - New Look | Necklace - Primark

For yesterday's look I went for comfort, I've seen so many of these style summer jumpers around, I really like them and this one had my name on it with the tiny bobbles and gold flecks.  It's perfect for London's unpredictable Summer days, and boy was I glad I wore it yesterday.  The weatherman promised 21°C, though it was rather chilly and my poor ankles really felt it - sad times.

Also my knees are starting to peel - the only part of my body that burnt and tanned on my travels, not the most attractive of things - especially as it's the knee bearing months here in (supposedly) Sunny ol' London.

Speak Soon xxx

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I can see a Rainbow...

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts, I've been rather busy re-adjusting to being back in London and catching up with buddies, but I promise I'm back here regularly.

On Thursday I decided to pop to Westfield, I initially went to check out a lens for my Canon 450d but was um-ing and ah-ing so decided to leave it for a while - for all the DSLR owners - what's your favourite lens and why? 

Anyhow, I honestly had no idea the sales were on, so it was a massive bonus - though after browsing a few shops it turned into a nightmare; it was like a giant jumble sale with clothes strewn  everywhere and people trampling all over them, but I did manage to find a bargain...

Shoes - Office

...or two :)  I saw them and knew I had to have them, and they were so super comfy (I wore them for a whole day shopping), which if you've been following my blog, has been an ongoing mission.  I just couldn't decide which colour - Red was a must because they are so eye popping, but the Brown are much more practical, so for the bargain price of £30 (£25 for the red - no idea why) I whisked both pairs off the shelf.  

Top - H&M | Skirt - Thailand | Shoes - Office

Dress - H&M | Necklace, Belt & Tights - Primark | Shoes - Office

These shoes with their clunky wooden heels and fat straps have a vintage granny chic feel to them, and as you can see are so versatile and can be worn with pretty much anything, being dressed up or worn casually, and suitable all year around - who wouldn't want them?

They are officially the new love of my wardrobe life!! But as for hitting the shops again - I think I'll wait until the sales are over, or maybe browse the web.

Anyone else pick up any bargains recently? Or have any new loves in their wardrobe?

Speak Soon xxx

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It was as if I never left...

Hello everyone, I'm back in the land of the living, I touched down yesterday morning and spent the day trying to organise my pictures, though I'm only 1/4 of the way through! 

The trip was absolutely amazing, very fast paced but we saw a lot in 20days, the only down side being the amount of money I spent!  With the YOLO tours from GAP Adventures, the tours of the areas you stop aren't actually included, which, depending on what your looking for can be a blessing or a curse.  For me it was a blessing, you could pick and choose what you wanted to do in each place - don't want to go on a walking tour? Why not try the boat ride instead, or take your own time and wander around the town yourself.

I would highly recommend GAP for anyone that has a strict time scale and wants to see as much as possible, massive thumbs up from me, and a HUGE thank-you to Charin our wonderful GAP tour leader who was the daddy figure to the group.

I'm slowly but surely adding pictures to my FLICKR, my Canon 450d which served me well I think I got a bit carried away with the amount of photos I took, I also shot a lot of snapshots with my Canon IXUS 100, here's a wee taster of what I was up to:

For anyone following me on Twitter or Tumblr, I'm sure you've already seen all my iPhone snaps of the trip, yes yes yes I went photo crazy! hehe

I have to say for this trip, fashion and make-up kinda went out the window for a couple of reasons - insect repellent ruined quite a few of my clothes on this trip :( it was so hot and sweaty, and skirts and dresses weren't the most practical for climbing in and out and over things.  But hey, I had an awesome time even if I didn't look my best :)

What has everyone else been up to? I've missed you guys, it's so nice to be back!! (though it's currently raining here in London! boo!)

Speak Soon  xxx

PS. Don't forget to keep an eye on my FLICKR for the rest of my photo's of the trip.

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