Thrifty Finds #1

After picking up lots of junk each week - much to my dad's dismay - I decided to start up a weekly feature where I showcase what i've managed to pick up. No one in my house is bothered that i've picked up yet another compact mirror.

Here's what I picked up last week over the course of the weekend.

001. Set of six Babycham glasses
I have been hunting out for these for god knows how long but everyone seems to know the value of them and asking prices always seem to be high. I spotted these tucked away in a cardboard box under the table. I wasn't going to rummage as I only had ten minutes left but I spotted some whisky glasses and decided to dive in. I got so excited when I realised there were Babycham glasses and even more excited when the seller wanted just £2 for all six! I didn't even try to haggle the price down.

002. Pink Marcel Franck glass atomiser
I decided on a whim that I wasnted to start collecting perfume bottles as I obviously need yet more things to hoard. I spotted this amongst a stall of endless books and managed to haggle the owner down to £2.50. I got the shock of my life when I decided to do a little research and found one on an American antique website selling for $175! 

003. Cameo brooch cameo pendant and brown oval stone brooch
The first thing i'm drawn to at bootsales is jewellery. I'm after any brooches, anything cameo related or any pearls. Basically anything an old lady would like. I'm trying to ween myself off brooches - 30 is perhaps a bit excessive especially as I wear them once in a blue moon. But I couldn't resist this brown one and of course the cameo brooch had to come home with me. It'll look lovely on the lapel of my winter coat.

004. Stratton peacock compact mirror
This beauty was only a £1 and I was delighted to find out it was from the 1960s - I love items with a sense of history. Admittedly i've not used it yet as i'm too scared to lose it but what's the point of it sitting on my dressing table eh?

005.Ornate glass pot
I've turned into my mother and am obsessed with anything glass. Butter dishes, cake stands, triffle dishes and dressing tables sets - we have them all in this house. I have no idea what to use this as - thinking maybe to store my cotton wool? But I had to take it home and it's looking very pretty sitting by my rings!

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My Olympic experience so far

I may be an Essex girl born and bred but London's always had a special place in my heart. From the day my parents took me to the Natural History Museum - I asked to go for my fourth birthday so i've always been a geek -  i've been hooked on the big smoke. I'm finally living my dream of working in the city and hopefully may even move there one day. I therefore think of London as my city and have been extremely proud of how it's pulled the Olympics off. The atmosphere has been electric and i've tried to take advantage. So far i've managed to catch the football, cycling road race and women's hockey and am popping along to the women's marathon tomorrow with my nan and mum. I can't believe just how well team GB are performing and it makes me incredibly proud to be a Brit. For such a small country we have an immense wealth of talent. I feel so lucky to have seen the Olympics in my home country, COME ON TEAM GB!!

P.S Please ignore the not too flattering photos of me - I had extremely early starts ha!

P.P.S That's my dear old dad i'm standing with outside Wembley.

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Stop making the eyes at me, I'll stop making the eyes at you

Outfit:
Orange lace midi dress: Asda
Denim jacket: Primark
Nude ballet pumps: New Look
Oversize faux-pearl necklace: gift from friend

This an example of an outfit that I wear to work. My office is fairly casual - lots wear jeans and converse. But I like to make the effort to dress up a bit more as I have so many clothes it'd be a crime not to wear them! This denim jacket is one of the best investments i've worn in a long time - it's perfect for the 'summer' we seem to be having! I brought this dress in the sale and it's the perfect length for work to wear with bare legs. It's also pretty handy to take on holiday with me as I guess i'll only wear it a handful of times thanks to this brilliant weather.

I've been getting into the Olympic spirit this week having attended the mens road race and womens hockey today. Attending these sorts of events make me realise just how much I love london. The city really has done so well even if London Transport did make me an hour late for the hockey this morning. Suppose a deflective train can't really be helped... I'm off to see the football quarter final on Saturday, I need GB to come second in their group to see them. I'm also going to attend the womens marathon on Sunday so it's a jam-packed week!

Has anyone else been religiously watching the Olympics? Or been to see some action themselves?

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Bloggers wear pineapples

So on Saturday a group of bloggers decided to take over Hyde Park to stuff themselves with lots of food and have a gossip. Thankfully the sun decided to finally come out so we didn't have to huddle underneath umbrellas.

What a complete and utter fantastic day it was. The dream team pulled off a corker. I met up with Sarah, Hannah, Sarah, Ashling and Michelle to source the best spot to have out picnic and I don't think I stopped laughing  all day. It was so lovely of people to come and join in with us and i'm touched by how many people made the effort. I didn't get to talk to as many people as I wanted but then that's always the way. Just means we have to hold another one eh?

 Can you tell me and Hannah enjoyed cider that day?

 Sarah's amazing homemade cupcakes. I can confirm they were very tasty indeed!

 How many bloggers does it take to work out how to use a bubble blower? THREE! I love Leanne's excited face!

 I think we had more than enough food don't you?! Would just like to say how yummy Elodie's amazing peanut butter cookies were. I may have eaten three...

Photos stolen from Hannah and Sarah as i've broken my camera boo!

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The sun has got its hat on

Outfit:
Blue cotton midi sun dress: Asos
3/4 length sleeved lemon cardiagn: Dorothy Perkins
Lemon flat pumps: Next
Blue floral statement ring: Primark
Vintage straw bag: eBay

Photo was very kindly taken by the superb Hannah

So this is what I wore to the fantastic bloggers picnic on Saturday in Hyde Park - i've got a whole post dedicated to it coming up! I had the nicest day ever and it was so lovely to see all my favourites. It didn't rain hurrah! But I do look a bit windswept here!

I brought this dress quite a while ago when we was having the heatwave and then the continuous rain started and it lingered in the back of my wardrobe. Thankfully the sun decided to rear it's head so I made sure I made the most of it. I decided to embrace the pastels trend and go for lemon cardigan and pumps. These sort of dresses have my name written all over them. I feel my most comfortable in an outfit like this and think it'll be a work staple if this gorgeous weather continues. Fingers crossed!

So i'm now a grown up with a full time job and am completely loving it so far. It's so overwhelming and so much much to remember but i'll think i'll get the hang of it soon. Everyone is so friendly and nice that it makes it a lot easier. They don't seem to mind my constant questions either which is a plus! Not sure how i'm going to cope on the tube in the hot weather - thinking i might overheat like a dog!

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I'll win your heart with a whit-woo

Outfit:
Silky cream blouse with a peter pan collar and sheer sleeves: c/o Glamorous
Black pleated maxi skirt: Clothing at Tesco
Quilted black ballet pumps: Primark
Cream and gold statement ring: Accessorize
Cream metal flower bangle: Primark
Red nail Varnish: No7 Rose Truffle

I was very kindly contacted by Glamourous and asked if I wanted to choose a few items. Obviously I said yes please and decided to choose some things that would be suitable to wear to work - I start on Thursday eeeek! The first was this lovely polka dot blouse. I loved the sheer sleeves and the peter pan collar. I always get a bit nervous when ordering online as i'm never too sure on the sizes. I went for my normal size 10 and the blouse fitted perfectly. It's lovely and loose around the bottom and doesn't draw attention to my hips - the one thing I always look for when buying tops! I also picked a blazer (which i'll show off soon) and got very excited when I saw they'd kindly chucked a tote bag in too - they are perfect to take car booting!

Like I said I start my new job on Thursday. It's amazing how quick it's came around and i've got my fingers crossed my first day goes ok! I'm so looking forward to it but also a little scared. It's an actual grown up job and it feels strange to have finally started my career! The bloggers picnic is on Saturday so I hope to see so many of you there - i'm making some scones so get there early ;) Destined to be the biggest blogging event this year, you'd be silly to miss out so get yourself down to Hyde Park!

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But it was not your fault but mine and it was your heart on the line

Outfit:
Hawaiian print cut out dress: Asos
Demin jacket: Primark
Brown straw bag: eBay
Dove blue and pink heart lady dragons: Vivienne Westwood
Chunky pearls: Gift from friend
Red plastic watch: Toywatch

Finally gave my beautiful new shoes an outing - I figured the boyfriends birthday was a pretty special occasion! They are so easy to walk in and my feet don't sweat like I though they would - too much information I know! This is one of my favourite outfits i've worn in a long time. I love this dress, it's my favourite type of length but the cut outs around the waist stop it from looking frumpy. Just a shame I haven't had much wear out of it thanks to the dreaded rain.  This bag is without a doubt one of the best things i've brought on ebay. It was a mere 99p and it's the perfect holiday/summer bag. Anyone else get drawn to straw during the summer months?

Like I said I wore this out to my boyfriend's birthday for a meal with his family. I completely overindulged with three courses and paid with it at weightwatchers. It tasted so good but i'm really going to have to pull my finger out as all my weight seems to be going back on! I rustled up a chocolate cake for him and was rather pleased with my decorating skills. It's not going to win any prizes but I thought I did ok with my first attempt! The boys going to get fat as I made him a ginger cake and his nan made him another chocolate cake. Think he might need some help finishing them off...

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Peaches and cream

Outfit:
Orange and cream midi dress: Asos
Orange bow pumps: Primark
Cream 3/4 length cardigan: Primark
White leather sandals: Primark
Red plastic watch: Toywatch
String of faux pearls: Charity shop
Pearl and gold earrings: Topshop
Selection of fold bangles: Various shops

I have a confession to make. My name is Sophie and I am addicted to buying dresses I don't need. Asos is my latest drug. I don't really know why I go mad for summer dresses as England doesn't seem to like the sunshine - i'll get much more wear about of A/W clothes as they'll get worn for 11 months out of the year. I completely fell in love with this as soon as I spotted it on the 'New In' section and went on a bit of a mad selling spree on Ebay until I could afford it. I don't feel guilty about buying dresses with Paypal money as it's not real right? My boyfriend thinks this makes me insane for thinking like this.

I wore this out over the weekend for a trip to church but with some nude heels. I'm not usually the hugest fan of church services but my dad's stepbrother is catholic and he arranged for a special mass to be held in honour of my nan. It was a really nice sentiment and a lovely way for my nan to be remembered.We went out for a family meal afterwards to a lovely Spanish restaurant nearby where we stuffed our face with wine and good food.

I finally booked my holiday so shall be jetting off to Bulgaria for two sun-filled weeks in September. Has anyone ever been to Sunny Beach? Any tips?

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Holiday wishlist

As we're looking to book our holiday this week - two weeks all-inclusive in Bulgaria - i'm going full blown ahead with holiday planning. To be fair I have got rather a lot of clothes and can make do with what i've already got but where's the fun in that! This is what i'm planing to save up for with all my eBay money so I guess I better get selling eh?

001. I have been meaning to get a demin jacket for the past two summers. They just seem to easy to throw on over pretty dresses and a lot less harsh than a leather jacket. I think this year might be the year I actually buy one.

002. This Asos dress sun is actually a bit of a cheat as I ordered this a few days ago.  I was debating between this and the white one but then decided beens I usually miss my mouth when I eat, white would be useless. I'm hoping this comes before Sunday so I can wear it out for my boyfriend's birthday meal.

003. I've decided I need one more bikini and then i'm romeo done. I chucked a fair few of mine away after last year so am running a little low. I'm the person that takes eight bikinis for a seven day holiday - don't judge! I adore the print and the retro style of this bikini.

004. I spotted this dress in Look magazine and have been keeping my beady eye out for it ever since. It just looks like it has my name written all over it. I do think it's a tad overpriced for H&M at £34.99 as it's only a cotton dress. But look at the pretty neckline?

005. TOMS are another thing i've been meaning to buy myself for the past two summers but for some reason I just never have gotten around to it. I think I got distracted by pretty dresses... These ones are a little bit more exciting than the plain ones and navy seems to be a colour that goes with most things.

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Nothing's perfect; I'm hoping I'll do

Outfit:p
White silky t-shirt: c/o Ellos
Blue and white floral trousers - Next
Navy suede block heels - Barratts
Gold coloured cuff: Random shop in Brick Lane
Pastel floral necklace: Random shop in Brick Lane
Statement floral gold coloured earrings: Topshop

Jumping on the patterned trouser bandwagon again. I've actually had these since March - £16 in the Next mid-season sale - but only just gotten around to wearing them. I debated on whether to wear them to work but decided they needed a few outings in my spare time. Anyone else hate wearing their favourite things to work first? I feel once I wear them to work I can't wear them in my everyday life. I paired it with my Ellos t-shirt - told you it would have multipe wears - for a night out on the town my my favourite girls.  I got far too greedy and ended up suffering big time all weekend. Seriously am I that old now that my hangovers last for two days?! It didn't put me off that much as i'm now raring for another night out as I don't seem to do it much anymore. The perks of being a grown up I suppose. Luckily it's the boyfriends birthday at the weekend so we all have another excuse to go to the pub.

Busy week ahead thanks to the boyfriends birthday. I've got three cakes to bake and i've got to do a manic rush to Oxford Street to buy lots of lovely presents. Going to see the Olympic torch on Saturday in my town which the geek in me is very excited about, followed by a trip to my friends school fate. I still struggle with the fact one of my close friends is a school teacher - I don't feel old enough! I love it when weeks are fully packed.

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Put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything is right

I managed to save up for my very own pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes! I shocked myself! I didn't go without and I just put away £30 a month until I had enough - I didn't even notice the money. I adore them and despite what my family say, they are well worth the money. Now I just need somewhere special to wear them - I don't think a night up the town will quite do them justice!

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Recipe: Jamaican Ginger Cake

This recipe is taken from the Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook. I have slightly adapted it as I already had the ingredients in the fridge!

Ingredients:
100 grams of unsalted butter cubed plus extra for greasing the loaf tin
100 grams of dark soft brown sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
150 ml of milk
1 large egg
150 grams of plain flour
Fresh root ginger - the recipe states to use 2 tsp of ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp of bicarbonate of Soda
75 grams of fruit cake mix - the recipe states to just use raisins but we had a packet of fruit cake mix hanging around!

 001. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees celsius / Gas Mark 2 / 300 degrees fahrenheit. Grease the loaf tin generously. Place the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a pan and heat gently until it has fully melted. Don't forget to stir!

 002. Add the milk and pour the mixture into a jug. Leave to cool for a few minutes. Then add the egg.

 003. Shift the flour, ginger, cinnamon and Bicarbonate of Soda into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the wet ingredients and carefully mix together. Then add the raisins - mine looks a bit pathetic as I forgot to take a picture and had to add a few more in ha!

004. Pour the cake mixture into the tin and cook for around an hour. I only cooked for 50 minutes as I have a fan oven. Pesky things! A clever way to test to see if it's cooked is to place a skewer into it and if it comes out clean it's all good to go!

 005. Place the cake on the wire rack and leave to cool before tucking in!

Admittedly it looks a tad burnt on top. Thanks again fan oven. But it was so moist inside and got a thumbs up from my boyfriend who would eat ginger cake like it's going out of fashion. I'd totally make this again - although not for a little while yet as it's no weightwatchers friendly!

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I'm going to paint you by numbers and colour you in

Outfit:
Denim Shirt: c/o Ellos
White v-neck t-shirt: Primark
Dusty pink skinny jeans: Primark
White plimsols: Vans

I meant to get this post ready last week but I was blessed with a stinking cold - I don't seem to get the sniffle but full on head cold where it feels like it's going to fall off - and I was also taken by suprise by a job offer! More on that later!

This was the denim shirt I was kindly gifted by Ellos. I've been after the perfect denim shirt for ages. I wanted one that was just the right shade, fitted enough to look right tucked in but not too fitted it looks silly undone and just the right length to not make me feel awkward about my child-bearing hips. This Ellos one ticked all the boxes! It has the perfect amount of stretch and feels lovely and soft on my skin. Once agin I think it's going to be a staple - everyone needs a denim shirt in their wardrobe. Ellos actually have a cracking sale on at the minute which is well work a little splurge!


So I have a job. A proper full-time permenant job on a magazine! To be honest I was beginning to think this day would never come. It's been a hard year doing internships since I left Uni and being offered short-term contracts here and there. I craved the stability so that I could get one foot on the career ladder and start moving up in the world. I actually went for this job last year but unfortuately didn't get it. I received a phone call last week to state I was actually second choice for the job and as the orginial candidate had left, was I interested in it! Needlessly to say I was shocked. My full title will be junior picture researcher on Love It! magazine and I can't wait to get my teeth stuck in. It shows if you have a dream, never ever give up. It might take a long time getting there but it will come true in the end. You've just got to have a little faith!

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