OOTD: Khaki trench coat

Outfit:
Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Gingham flannel shirt: New Look
Black washed out ripped skinny jeans: F&F
Burgundy loafers: Zara (similar)

I came across this gorgeous Khaki trench in Primark during a manic browse last weekend and all my willpower just went out the window. I've been wearing my beige one to death and thought this would help to give it a break. Admittedly it's not quite warm enough yet to actually wear it as it's quite thin. But I've been rebelling against the elements. I'm feeling like a bit of a trendy Wendy in these ripped jeans. I finally took the plunge and treated myself and decided that I need them in every colour. They fit like an absolute dream! Naturally I got a light denim wash too. They add the perfect dose of effortless cool to an outfit and I feel like I'm more on trend then I usually am. I'm never on trend. Just one tip though. Don't fall over in them as you will end up with grazed knees. That lesson was learnt the hard way.

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14 reasons how you know you're a true Essex girl

1. You spend your life trying to speak nicely whenever you meet new people but they always see through the act. It's such a relief when you can just speak in your native tongue.

2. You find your Essex accent comes out in force when you've had a drink. You struggle to even understand yourself.

3. You have one pair of white high heels tucked away in your wardrobe. Because those shoes are the perfect summer shoe.

4. As soon as you open your mouth, everyone immediately knows where you come from. Then the jokes start.

5. You find yourself constantly dropping the H from words.

6. You've spend a good proportion of your childhood at Lakeside shopping centre. It was the only place to spend your Christmas and birthday money.

7. TOWIE may have put your county on the map but time someone shouts 'Shut UPPPP' in your face, you want to punch them.

8. You get annoyed when you go out and the TOWIE stars have cornered off the best part of the club. Just where are you going to dance now?! Then you feel all excited because you've spotted someone you've seen on the telly.

9. You have about 7 different types of fake tan in your bedroom for when the matter arises.

10. You go out in East London for a change of scenery on a Saturday night only to realise the whole of Essex had the same idea. There is NO ESCAPE! That's what you get for living 20 minutes away from Liverpool Street Station.

12. You still opt for an Smirnoff Ice when you go on a night out in a club. It's the cheapest thing and reminds you of your youth.

12. Innit is a crucial part of your vocabulary.

13. No 'out out' night out is complete without a shed load of bronzer. It makes the world go round.
 

14. You feel very protective over your little county and will defend it all night long. Only you are allowed to run it down.

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Beauty: 5 minute pamper ideas

In the ideal world we'd all be able to spend hours pimping and preening our body to perfection. But after a hard day at work, sometimes you just want to collapse into bed after dinner. I often struggle to do much of a beauty routine during the week - I have my current one down to a cool 15 minutes. But I don't want to wait until the weekend to get some pampering in - or rather my skin can't wait till them. So I've put together a few pampering products that only add an extra five minutes onto your night time routine. You can even spread them out over the week!

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream c/o
I'm a sucker for anything Rose scented so obviously this product had me at hello! I pop it on my hands just before I nod off to sleep. I find it a bit too thick for frequent use during the day but it's a perfect intense moisturiser. My hands feel so soft and supple the next day. It's a lifesaver especially in this continuous cold weather!

No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser
I always stock up on this when Boots have their skincare vouchers. This is such a staple in my skincare collection - I can't sing it's praises enough. When I have more energy, I use this product to double cleanse my face. It helps to make sure every last scrap of make up has been removed. It only takes a few minutes but it makes a world of difference.

Lotil Cream with Aloe Vera Extract c/o
Feet are often forgotten about when it comes to personal grooming. This thick, luscious cream is perfect to slather on before you go to bed. Pop on a pair of socks to lock it in and voila you'll wake up with gorgeous tootsies. It literally takes a minute and the rewards will be great!

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Purifying Clay Mask
I found this tucked under my endless toiletries pile and decided to give it a whirl before Christmas. Since then it's become a staple. It only stays on your face for five minutes before you wash it off - perfect for when your bed is calling! It has quite a thin formula so it feels like it dries in an instant. Beware of a slight tingly feeling as it dries - it's nothing to worry about. My skin always feels so refreshed and I can notice the difference the next day.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner  c/o
As much as I love a deep conditioner, sometimes I haven't got the time or patience to wait ten minutes for it to work it's magic. This product takes just three minutes to make your hair silky smooth. I usually use it around three times a week to help my hair keep it's shine. You'll need a dollop the size of a golf ball and make sure you smooth it down to your very tips. It's fantastic if your hair is feeling a little dry.

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Places to stay: Lancaster London

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of an overnight stay in Lancaster London through work. It was such a pleasure that I've decided to blog about it too!

Based just a few steps away from Lancaster Gate tube station, the hotel is in a superb location. It overlooks the superb Hyde Park. We stayed in a room on the 18th floor and were rewarded with stunning view of the city. You could literally see for miles!

If you're after a few nights of luxury, you've come to the right place. The staff were so helpful and really couldn't do enough. We had a handwritten note in the room from the manager and a cheeky trio of delicious macaroons to scoff. The bed? Oh that bed! It was huge and so comfortable with massive soft feather pillows. I didn't want to leave the room. We were even treated to a special turndown service when we ventured back to our room after dinner. It was so lovely to see our bed covers pulled back and a pair of slippers next the bed ready to pop on. It's the little things that make a stay feel so special. The hotel isn't cheap but for a special treat you can't go wrong. It's a great location in London and you're within walking distance of so many highlights.

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Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

 

Like I've mentioned before, last weekend I ventured over to the West part of town. We decided to have a little mooch around Holland Park as my boyfriend and I had never been before. I was in awe of all the peacocks strutting around like they owned the place - they even came right up and just walked inches in front me. Amazing!

I'd read about the Japanese Kyoto Garden so we attempted to try and find it. We struck gold when we stumbled upon it. I can imagine it'll look beautiful in the summer when it's started to bloom. It's not very big but it was lovely to wander around taking it all in. If it wasn't frostbite-inducing weather I'd have liked to sit down and soak it all up. Alas it's just an excuse to come back again. Next time I'll bring a good book and enjoy the serene surroundings.

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OOTD: Mellow Yellow

Outfit:

Beige midi length trench coat: Zara (similar)

Black roll neck tunic: ASOS

Burgundy skinny jeans: New Look

Black suede western ankle boots: Topshop (similar)

Forest green leather satchel: The Cambridge Satchel Company

What's this? Two outfit posts in one week? I know, I'm on fire. I really want to start posting regular outfits again. If only to encourage me not to wear the same thing week in, week out. It's the coat and bag again though. They're the first things I reach for before I bound out of the door. Don't worry, the coat is now in the drycleaners so hopefully it'll be in better shape next time it pops up on this blog. 

This weekend I'm finally celebrating my birthday properly. Only a month or so late. I'm going out for dinner in Islington before heading onto Barrio North for some dancing and lots - I repeat - lots of cocktails. It's been one hell of a week so it's very much needed. Sunday shall be spent feeling sorry for myself and whipping up Slimming World friendly recipes. I've decided to take the plunge and attend my first meeting tomorrow. Wish me luck! I'd love any tips if you have any.

What do you have planned for your weekend?

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Review: Boom Burger

After reading about Boom Burger on The Londoner, it had been on my radar for a long time. But I very rarely venture West - East London is my ends. Maybe North if I'm feeling adventurous. I was staying overnight in Lancaster Gate, London last week and thought we might as well try it out. How right we were to take the plunge.

The restaurant is teeny tiny but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for with delicious food. We plonked ourselves at the bar with Michael Jackson ringing in our ears and scoured the menu. I already knew I had to try the jerk chicken burger before I'd ever glanced down. I LOVE jerk chicken, I could eat it all day long. The Jerk Boom consisted of shredded spicy chicken on top of fried plantain with a handful of rocket - a delicious mango and pawpaw sauce is smothered on the bun. It was messy and dirty and exactly how it should have been. The fried plantain added the perfect amount of crunch and the shredded chicken was soft and tender. The incredible moreish saltfish fritters mixed with chilli and herbs were divine. They easily outshone the fries and packed a decent amount of heat. That rum punch? I was guzzling it like water.

One thing's for sure - I'll definitely be trekking west so I can sample it again. I've got the whole menu to work through!

 

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OOTD: Beige Trench Coat

Outfit:
Nude trench coat: Zara (similar)
Forest green tunic: Topshop
Black skinny jeans: New Look
Black suede western ankle boots: Topshop (similar)
Forest green leather satchel: The Cambridge Satchel Company

Another pair of jeans. Those midi skirts are showing no sign of shoe-horning their way back into my every day wardrobe. It's just too cold at the minute to even think of putting my legs in tights! I've been making sure to stock up on tunic style tops like they're going out of fashion. Looking at this jacket I think it might need to be taken to the drycleaners. And I should learn to hang my coat up when I take it off...

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H&M Home haul

I'm in full on 'buying everything in the world for my house' mode. Let's forget about the fact that I'm not moving out for another two years. Rather concentrate on how fricking good H&M Home is? Lets take a look at what I've been spending my pennies on.

I actually bought this originally as a blog prop but it will be lovely on my future dressing table housing all my favourite knick knacks. Mostly perfume, jewellery,lipstick and nail polish. All of life's essentials. Prepare to see this beauty popping up a lot in future posts.
Round gold tray

I love a jar. Especially glass jars. I thought these would be fantastic in any room of the house holding little bits and bobs. At the minute I'm envisioning them in the kitchen holding my baking things. When I next get paid I'm going to pick up a couple more of these. Just don't tell my boyfriend.
Small Glass jar with a gold lid
Large lass jar with a gold lid

I seem to be making it a habit to buy handwash only things. These glasses are no exception. But look how pretty they are? Admittedly they do feel quite delicate and flimsy so I'll only be able to hand them out to house guests who can be trusted. These glasses won't be making any appearances at house parties!
Tumbler glass with a gold trim

I will hold my hands up and admit I saw these at Hannah's house and went online practically the next day to buy them for myself. That girl has taste! I love the industrial, Scandinavian feel of them. I think my current copper infatuation comes from a fond childhood memory of seeing my nan's house over run with brass. It just looks so classy.
Large copper metal candlestick
Small copper metal candlestick

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Review: Pizza East

I love pizza. Even more than burgers. Controversial I know. So when we were discussing places to eat, I immediately came up with Pizza East and luckily my friends all gave their approval.  As we were coming from all over, we opted for the buzzing Shoreditch branch. Situated near Brick Lane, this old industrial tea warehouse building is right on the corner opposite Boxpark. I'd recommend booking just to ensure you don't end up disappointed. 

After being seated, we endeavoured the menu. It was a tough choice but I opted for the spicy sausage, mozzarella and tenderstem broccoli pizza. The generous chunks of succulent spicy sausage stole my heart. It added just the right amount of heat to the dish and the gooey mozzarella helped to compliment it. It was the first time I'd had broccoli on a pizza and I was sold on the first bite. It tastes delicious wrapped in the melted stringy cheese. The wood fried base was perfectly crispy and chewy at the same time. It tasted delicious dipped in the olive oil. 

Have you ever been to Pizza East?

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