Review: Pizza Pilgrims

After hearing stories about the drool-worthy pizzas sold out of the back of a pizza oven van I got excited. I got even more excited when I discovered they'd opened a restaurant in Dean Street, Soho. Food vans are all well and good but when you work during the week, they're awfully hard to get to!

I'm ashamed that it's taken me this long to try Pizza Pilgrims myself. It has been on my foodie list for an age and I finally managed to try it at the weekend. We got seating straight away as we opted for a late lunch about 2.30 ish and trotted downstairs to pursue the menu. I've slowly gone off meaty pizzas so opted for the tasty sounding Aubergine Parmagiana. The menu isn't massive but there's something for everyone. Plenty of meat and veggie ones with a few unusual ones should you be feeling adventurous.

Both the pizzas arrived promptly, my friend and I had barely got down to the juicy gossip before our friendly waiter appeared with this beauty below. The mozzarella was deliciously gooey and the tomato base was nice and tart. I loved the addition of the whole cherry tomatoes and the aubergines was perfectly soft. Nothing worse than coming across one that's too tough and chewy. The bottom of the base was slightly black but this added to it's flavour, made it more authentic! The dough had perfect consistency, neither too soggy or too crisp. It was a dream to pull apart! I could have eaten it twice over.

I'm already planning my next trip back! Have you ever been to Pizza Pilgrims?

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You Knock Me Off Of My Feet

Outfit:
Light wash denim jacket: Primark (similar)
Sheer black vest top: Topshop (similar)
Black and white gingham midi skirt: Topshop c/o Westfield
Nude block heeled sandals: Dorothy Perkins c/o Westfield (similar)
Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint by Barry M: Papaya
Gold boyfriend vintage style watch: Marc By Marc Jacobs

I feel like this is 'me' summed up in the outfit and something I intend to recreate time and time again now it's starting to warm up. Well hopefully, I hope that dreaded rain isn't returning for a little while! I got these sandals and skirt as part of my Westfield challenge and they've already become staples in my wardrobe. Everyone needs some nude sandals in their life. These are comfortable enough to wear all day and also look great if you're popping to the pub in the evening to help you look like you've made an effort. Win win situation!

I spent today in London being treated to an amazing blow dry (review coming this week so keep an eye out) and finally sampled the delights of Pizza Pilgrims with one of my favourite people. We spent the day drooling over things in Michael Kors we can't afford and catching up over a few ciders in a couple of Covent Garden pubs. It was nice to just wander around with no times to follow and soak up London in the sunshine. The city is always so beautiful in the sun!   

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Night time skin routine

Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask, Bioderma, No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser and Heaven By Deborah Mitchell Bee Venom Mask c/o

After many experiments with all kinds of lotions and potions over the years i've finally found a night time skin routine that suits me down to a tee.

Starting with the famous Bioderma, I use this to clear every last scrap of make up. I find it just glides off effortlessly with this cleanser and a little goes a long way. It only takes a couple of minutes to do my whole face. Next I use the hot cloth cleanser to ensure my face really is make up free! I smear over a semi thick layer and place a hot cloth on my face for around 30 seconds before wiping it off. I then quickly rinse the cloth with ice cold water and place it on my face for a nice shock!

I rub in a thick layer of the intensive mask and leave it on my face for around 10-15 minutes before using the eye cream over the top to finish off the job. I can't praise the Origins face mask enough, it does wonders for dry, tight skin and is a commuter's lifesaver. Those trains don't do anyone any good! Made with Shea Butter, Rose and Lavender essential oils, the eye cream is ideal for soft  skin and i've really noticed a difference since i've been using it both day at night. It's a great product if you're looking to help rehydrate your skin. I've noticed it helps to lighten my dreaded black circles too which is always a plus.

What do you use in your night time routine? Any gems I should try out?

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All around the world

Today I was very kindly featured on the Laura Ashley blog. Have a click through to see what I had to say about this beautiful dress. The post has brought back my holiday blues in full force. Oh Central Park, you beauty!

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So tell me, where does all the money go?

Outfit:
Floral abstract silky tee: Primark (similar)
Denim midi skirt: Topshop (similar)
White Jelly shoes: Truffle via TK Maxx (similar)
Cat eye green sunglasses: Red or Dead c/o Specsavers

I could get used to this sudden bout of sunshine although with a thunderstorm predicted over the weekend it looks like I need to get my wellies out. Talking of the weekend, i'm so pleased it's a three day blinder. It's even better than usual as i'm off to Nottingham for a few days to stay with a friend. There's nine of us camping out in his living room and with a trip to a rock club and Hooters on the cards, it's going to be a corker. I've already got the sausages to help me recover on Sunday morning. I don't think there's anything better than lots of gossiping, amazing junk food and plenty of bottles of wine with friends. I should imagine there will be plenty of all three!

Do you have anything planned for the Bank Holiday weekend?

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I love you but you're green

Outfit:
Green palm print 50s style dress: Zara c/o Westfield London
Light wash denim jacket: Primark (similar)
Gold boyfriend watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Black pointed flat with an ankle strap: Next (similar)

As soon as I spied this out of the corner of my eye when I walked in, I knew it was more or less coming home with me. There's just something about the 50s style that draws me in, Every time. I can see this being a staple in the warmer months. It's great to dress down for a lazy weekend - plenty of room for food in that beauty. Or dress up with a pair of skyscraper shoes and a leather jacket for a night on the tiles. I do love a multi-tasker!

How lovely has this weekend be? Ah everything is ten times better in the sunshine! I did a bootsale yesterday - less said about that the better - and just sat in a friends garden on Saturday eating far too many burgers. Bliss. I'm counting down the days until next weekend as i'm off to Nottingham for a few days to stay with a friend. Fingers crossed for some sunshine!

Did you have a nice weekend?

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A day at Westfield

Since Westfield Stratford City opened, it's became one of my favourite places to shop. It's only 25 mins drive from my house which has been both a blessing for my wardrobe and a curse for my wages. It has all my favourite shops and I love the fact it has both high end and high street offerings. We all need a little lust in the Mulberry windows at times! I spent even more time there when I was working in London as it was on my way home. Lethal. My boyfriend would often me there after work as it was halfway for both of us and we'd stuff our faces before heading off home. Namely at Wahaca. It's worth just going for a meal at the centre even without doing any shopping! If you fancy something quick to eat I really recommend opting for the 'posh' food court near Nandos. You can absolutely everything there but with proper cultery and plates. We love going to Rhythm Kitchen for some jerk chicken. It's so good!

When they got in touch with me and asked if i'd like a voucher to sample the delights of the shopping centre and let you know my thoughts. Of course I thought all my Christmas' had come at once and said yes please! I had to pick my voucher up from the concierge desk. They were really helpful into sorting it out for me and explained it thoroughly. It's a great place to go if you'd never been before as they're always more than willing to answer questions and you can pick up a little map. It comes in very handy!

We didn't want to break tradition and opted for a lunch at Wahaca. Again. I had the amazing fish tacos. Again. The staff were very friendly and attentive. We never felt hurried which is always a plus. I hate the new rule recently where you have to have finished eating in two hours. We opted to go for an early lunch at 12 as from past experiences at the weekend it can get extremely busy. Make sure you have an early or late luch to beat the rush!

Then it was turn to shop! I made a beeline for Topshop straight away and got distracted by the midi skirts again. I didn't need to ask for any help but I spotted plenty of staff around so felt help would be at hand if I needed it. There's nothing worse than desperately needing a size and having no one to ask. I picked up a couple of midi skirts and peplum top to try on and decided to plump for the pretty black gingham skirt. It was such a great length and lovely lightweight material to take me through to the summer months. The tills were full of staff and although the queue was really long at first glance it went down fairly quickly.  Thumbs up from me!

Next was Zara. I really miss popping into Zara on my lunchbreak when I worked in London. Sadly Colchester isn't blessed with one! As usual EVERYTHING caught my eye but I managed to narrow it down to a beautiful palm print dress and a floral set. Much to my dismay, the co-ord looked awful on me! But the dress? Well that couldn't not come home with me! Once again it was very busy but I felt staff were well equipped with dealing with it. The fitting room staff member had a very good system to keep the queue running smoothly and as a ex-shop assistant i'm always impressed!

I browsed around various other shops such as River Island, Boots and Miss Selfridge. Nothing else really took my fancy until I wandered into Dorothy Perkins and spotted some great nude sandals. Despite the shoe department being manic, I didn't have to wait too long for the shop assistant to bring my size and she kept an eye on me to check I was getting on ok. I don't like it when they suddenly leave you!

After all that working we decided we needed a little treat and opted for Pinkberry. I understand it was very busy but the sitting area was a bit neglected. The tables were dirty and there were pots scattered around. I think maybe they should have had more staff on. But the pinkberry itself was fab and was the perfect reward to a tiring day.

Have you been to Westfield Stratford City before?

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Beauty: NYC Make Up Haul

L-R Clinique Cheek Pop 01 Ginger Pop, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush Natural Beauty, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush 60 Coffee Cake

L-R Yello-Out Clear Acrylic Top Coat, O.P.I You're Such A Budapest, O.P.I Red My Fortune Cookie, O.P.I Red Hot Rio, O.P.I My Paprika is Hotter Than Yours, O.P.I Toucan Do It If You Try, Nicole by O.P.I Drying Drops

L-R Burt's Bees Tinted Lipbalm Red Dahlia, Covergirl 305 Hot Passion lipstick, Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm 245

Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball and Marc Jacobs Dot Rollerball

Origins Super Spot Remover, Covergirl Flamed Out Very Black Blaze, Clinique Chubby Stick 09 Heaping Hazelnut

Just like I would never refer to myself as a shoe girl (you and I both know this isn't true), I wouldn't use the term 'Make Up Lover' to describe myself either. So how did I end up spending a small fortune on beauty products in New York? Your guess is as good as mine.

I fell head over heels for Duane Reade especially when I discovered O.P.I nail polishes worked out around £5 each. Yep I may have squealed a little too. I could have brought home a whole rainbow of colours but alas my nail polish collection makes my dad nervous. He's convinced it's going to cause a crack in our ceilings... I decided to spare him the heart attack and only bring home 7 bottles. I showed some good restraint! The Maybelline blush is absolutely amazing! I can't stop wearing it.

I couldn't resist this snazzy pouch at Chelsea Market although I can't for the life of me remember my the name. Schoolboy error! It made me laugh as I've only just really graduated onto lipstick in the last two years.

I wish I brought more of the Covergirl lip crayons. It just applies like a dream and is such a pretty colour. It's perfect for day way as it's not to in your face. It also creates a slight stain so isn't too shabby when it starts to wear off. It's enough of a reason for me to book a return trip right?

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Powder blue

Outfit:
Powder blue midi dress: c/o Hobbs
Powder blue lady dragons: Vivienne Westwood (similar)
Silver ball bracelet: Tiffany & Co
Red lip crayon: Cover Girl

Hobbs was one of those brands I used to lust (and still do!) over when I was working hard in Uni. And eating lots of pizza.  I imagined i'd be dressed top to toe in the brand, wearing high heels everyday and swanning around in London when I got my first job. My first job was indeed in London but I lasted in heels for about a week and my wages still only stretched to Primark. So I was over the moon when they got in touch to see if I fancied something. I couldn't reply quick enough and this dress caught my eye as soon as I opened the website. It just so elegant, summery and pretty damn perfect. It fits like a glove and as Aisling has been telling me for god knows how long, you really do see the quality when you spend those extra pennies. I'll definitely be saving up my coins for another Hobbs dress. I think this may be the start of something beautiful...

This dress is going to get it's debut at Newmarket Ladies Day. I do love a day at the races! I've got a hot pink pillbox hat to match the heart on my shoes. If anyone has seen any hot pink clutches hit me up as i'm on the hunt for one to match!

Do you own anything from Hobbs?

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