Thursday 30 June 2016

FEELING NUDE

Is it me or is there something so magical about the beauty halls in department stores?  Maybe it is because they always remind me of Christmas, when they welcome you in from the cold outside and you can't help treating yourself with a little something.  Or maybe it is because as a little girl everything looked so glamorous and exciting: all I wanted to do was try some of the perfumes and pretend I was all grown up.

Wednesday 29 June 2016

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME // IDENTITY & SELF

I think everyone goes through stages in their life when they kind of lose who they are, I know I definitely have and it makes me feel indecisive and lacking any sort of confidence.

I remember going through it in those awkward teenage years when I wanted to be in the group which meant bending my personality and taste to reflect my peer group; then there was when I was in a long term relationship and almost my husband  and I became one in terms of identity; and most recently my individual identity has become dominated by the job of being a mother and the two little girls I adore.

Tuesday 28 June 2016

THE WASP FACTORY // IAIN BANKS

I was watching one of my favourite YouTubers (sunbeamsjess) and she was mentioning the books that she had bought and The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks was mentioned.  It peaked my interest and so I decided I had to read it.  

It is a hard book to explain: it is from the view point of Frank, a sixteen year old boy who lives with his Dad in the upmost north of Scotland.  It is a first person narrative of his past and present.  

I really enjoyed it and at times found it to be quite chilling but definitely gripping.  It isn't the longest book so I managed to read it really quickly which I always take as a good sign.  I also think it is a modern classic and I know it features on quite a few English university degree programmes.  

I should warn you though it is quite violent and Frank isn't the nicest character, in some ways he is very hard to warm to, but don't let this put you off, I think it is definitely a book worth trying.

Monday 27 June 2016

CHOO CHOO

My little girls love playing with their train set, arguing over who is going to have which train and it ultimately ending in Ava's tears as Esme dismantles the track--the joy of 18 month olds.  So it seemed a natural choice to take them for a trip on the Severn Valley Railway.

Both girls have been on the Santa Special (big tick on the things you do if you are a good parent list) but I am not sure if they remember it, and also the whole gift from Father Christmas kind of overshadowed the old fashioned steam train, so it was about time they got to appreciate the glamour of old school train travel.

Sunday 26 June 2016

THE STRAIGHT LEG

I am a skinny jeans type of girl, the skinnier the better.  But earlier this year I decided to take the brave step of stepping out of my skinny comfort zone and move to the straight leg!!!

I know!  You can gasp in terror if you want to.  

All the cool girls on Instagram made me do it.  They all look so effortlessly styled with the hems of their straight jeans slightly rolled up to show their ankles.  So of course I jumped on the bandwagon.

Saturday 25 June 2016

AEGON CLASSIC BIRMINGHAM

For my birthday, I kindly got taken to the AEGON Classic Birmingham tournament.  I love tennis so this was a major treat and I was so excited to go.  And I am glad to say it didn't disappoint especially as there was no rain...hallelujah!
The most famous faces had already been knocked out of the tournament but there were still some well seeded players left in, including some well known British faces like Johanna Konta and Heather Watson.

Friday 24 June 2016

FUNNY GIRL THE MUSICAL

Just over a week ago, I spent the day in London and was lucky enough to have tickets to see Funny Girl the Musical.

I didn't get any good photos (no cameras allowed during the performance), but what I did get was an evening full of laughs, amazing singing, and emotional depth.

Funny Girl is the story of Fanny Brice who is everything a girl on Broadway is not supposed to be but Broadway is her dream and she goes after it using her humour to her advantage.  There is love and romance along the way too.

Originally Sheridan Smith was supposed to be playing the part of Fanny Brice but unfortunately couldn't be there so Natasha Barnes played the part instead.  And I have to say she was absolutely incredible and deserved the standing ovation she received.

Darius Campbell was also really impressive as Nick Arnstein and it took me a while to realise it was him.  He has come a long way from his Pop Idol days.

Normally in shows I feel as though the singing or the acting is slightly stronger but in this show both were beautifully matched and of the highest calibre.

It is really one to see, so if you can get your hands on some tickets go and see it, and invite me along because I would love to see it again.

Thursday 23 June 2016

THE BURIED GIANT // KAZUO ISHIGURO

I read this book mainly due to the author as Kazuo Ishiguro wrote Never Let Me Go.  I wanted to read his new book as I knew it was very different in style.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and read it really quickly for me.  I have two little girls so reading normally takes a back seat but with this one I couldn't help but pick it up in any spare moment.

It is the story of a husband and wife, Axl and Beatrice, as they decide to go on a journey to find their son.  On their way they come into contact with others who have their own agendas and also there is the question of the mist and the effect it has on everything.

It is beautifully written and highlights the complexities of a relationship between two loved ones and the way that in a relationship that lasts for so long things are forgiven and forgotten.

It is a little hard to get into at the beginning but I would say persevere and it will be well worth it.  Put it on your holiday book list you won't regret it.

Wednesday 22 June 2016

ALL TIED UP

This is one of those outfits that can take you from day to night and that is perfect for the tricky day date.  The heels make it feel that you have put in some effort while the rest of the outfit is pretty casual.