Blue Marshmallow
17 April 2016
Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
I have a weird obsession with coats. Living in the North means I basically have to carry a coat everywhere I go, so why not build a collection of coats? There are so many different jackets and coats available to buy, sometimes I just can't resist a quick purchase. However, I never regret buying a coat; and it means I don't have to put too much effort into making every outfit different because each jacket can make every ensemble look unique. The coat I'm wearing today, one I've named 'The Blue Marshmallow' has become one of my favourites as spring rolls in.
The pastel blue colour isn't something I would usually go for, I do like to wear blue, but darker colours. As it was only £5.00, I figured it was damaged or not the best winter coat - but I was sooooo wrong. It's so warm! And this is coming from someone who is always freezing cold and has absolutely no tolerance for a chilly breeze. It's one of those coats that you don't need as a layer, because it's like six layers alone. It's not heavy, and very soft, hence it being names the "Blue Marshmallow".
To contract with the coat, I chose my favourite beanie hat which never fails to keep my head warm. I'm also crazy in love with scarves at the moment, almost as much as coats. Today's scarf has been in my closet for about four or five years, but is still going strong. The knitted piece has become a favourite each winter, mainly because it goes with absolutely everything and keeps me super warm without having to fasten my coat up (something I never do). I own quite a few pairs of jeans, but I only ever wear one pair, once they're a favourite, I wear them til they die! The same goes for my over-the-knee boots which I love to wear with denim. The suede contrasts well without taking away from any other pieces in the outfit.
My City Festival Essentials | Win Free Tickets
13 April 2016
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
On Saturday 30th April 2016, Live At Leeds
Festival will arrive and I cannot wait. One of my bucket list items for 2016
was to attend a huge music festival and Live At Leeds is the perfect event.
Live At Leeds is held annually across a variety of venues in Leeds and always
has an incredibly amazing line-up. It’s a great way to see the acts you love as
well as discover new performers to fall in love with. The festival celebrates
local bands as well as established artists and I’m so excited to attend. Jess Glynne is one of my favourite UK artists and I can't wait to see her live; it's also going to be amazing watching The Boxer Revellion, Will Joseph Cook, Loz Campbell and Tiggs Da Author perform!
See the line up below:
Of course, with every event I attend, I have essentials. And
there are plenty of essential needed for Live At Leeds.
A Good Camera
Taking your iPhone and an enormous DSLR camera is always a
nice idea, but can end up in damaged equipment. One of the best thing about
festivals is the atmosphere, and Live At Leeds always has an amazing and
enthusiastic atmosphere – so lugging around a heavy camera isn’t the most
sensible idea. However, it is important to get extraordinary photos so you can
look back on such a fun event. When on the go at a city festival like Live At
Leeds, a disposable camera or smaller digital reflex camera is definitely one of my
essentials.
Appropriate shoes
There’s nothing worse than wearing shoes that will cause
pure pain all night. It’s a pointless pursuit, especially when a music festival
is in more than one venue and in such a busy and exciting city. As Live At
Leeds is not just a stand-still festival, there’s plenty and walking and
exploring to do and so much the city can offer. It’s really important to wear
your favourite shoes, but shoes that will stay intact and won’t take away from
the experience by clouding fun memories with bruises and blisters.
Mini everything
I usually like to freshen up half way through the night because I'm slightly vain, so
bringing smaller beauty items and even a miniature perfume bottle is vital. Carrying
around a huge rucksack full of all your April beauty favourites is not the way
to go, the more compact the better. If you’re a bit of a hygiene freak like me,
why not pack an extra bottle of anti-bacterial or one of those Dettol sprays
that are in tiny bottles? Lipstick is also a huge essential for me, as you can
never have too much lipstick.
Cash. Plenty of cash.
Whenever I go out, I avoid paying with my card. I just
prefer being able to pay for something quickly at a bar or counter, without
having to pull out my debit card and remember my pin (which I always forget).
Honestly, I don’t like using my card for anything, and there’s absolutely no
chance you’ll catch me using a contactless payment card machine – I don’t trust
them! Having change in a little coin purse or wallet is really handy and less
of a hassle.
Tickets!
Obviously, it’s hard to get into a city festival, or any
festival without a ticket. I’m so excited to be able to offer all my readers
and followers the opportunity to winfree tickets to Live At Leeds 2016! There’s not long left, so head over to
The Blogger Programme’s Facebook Page (or click this link) and enter for the
chance to win some free tickets. There are 6 ways to enter and you don’t need a
Facebook account to be able to enter. Woohoo!
Style Crush: Vanessa Hudgens
11 April 2016
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Let's Go to the Gym
6 April 2016
High Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
A year ago, I would never be seen at a gym. I always assumed gyms were for the super-fit, exercise enthusiasts. However, after one massive kick, and a spur-of-the-moment burst of motivation, I decided to try at least a whole hour one a few machines. Three hours later, I was loving every moment and decided the gym is my new favourite place. As much as I enjoy having a higher level of fitness and slowly losing weight, I also love shopping for gym gear and finding new outfits for each session. Activewear is just so much fun to shop for!
One of my favourite looks is this almost all-black outfit I wear when I have to walk to the gym. It's important for me to keep warm, as there's still a little snow on the ground; but I don't want to be wearing multiple layers because walking quickly will keep me heated. My leather jacket is a cold weather essential and an overall wardrobe must. The great thing about this faux leather piece is that it keeps you warm once you're warm - almost like a thermal. Because it's faux, the fabric is lightweight and easy to move in. The fur collar is a great accessory for this season too. I never carried a bag to the gym at first, but now that I've become more confident with going, I will shower and sometimes change into different clothes while there. This small but spacious Nike bag is absolutely perfect for me and holds just the right amount without becoming a burden.
I have never owned a pair of Vans shoes until a few weeks ago. They were immensely popular while I was in school, but never something that I was into. However, while doing my weekly browse at TK Maxx, I came across this pair in the men's section and knew I would never seem them again. They're bright without being too 'in-your-face' and can be worn casually and for exercise. Vans shoes are way more comfortable than I imagined and I'm definitely going to look into getting another pair soon.
MATALAN TOP // MISS SELFRIDGE JACKET (similar - Mango) // KARRIMOR LEGGINGS // TK MAXX VANS (similar) // NIKE BAG // NEXT SUNGLASSES
10 Perks of Being a Tall Girl
4 April 2016
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Growing up tall was something I always saw as a challenge.
It can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially if you don’t like the
spotlight. I used to always wish I was short, just because that seemed to be
the idea size for a girl and there were never any articles or websites on positive tips for tall
women. Unless you’re a model or celebrity, being tall isn’t the easiest thing
in the world. Over time, I’ve come to realise being tall isn’t a bad thing and
actually has its perks. Being a tall girl doesn’t mean you aren’t feminine or
girly; it’s just another body type. So today’s post
is pointing out some of the perks I’ve found, being a tall girl. I’m 5’11”
which is what I would consider tall in comparison to my friends and colleagues.
Disclaimer: This post is in no way bashing or hating on
anyone who is shorter than me or considers themselves short. It’s just a way to
build up those who are tall and should be proud and never ashamed. It’s a post
not to be taken too seriously, and purely for entertainment. Trust me, I didn’t
do any scientific research. I’m not boasting at all, and am more than aware
that being tall does have disadvantages like all body types.
#01 Long Legs
I would consider having long legs the most important perk of
all. Being tall usually comes with
pretty longs legs. Some girls have longer bodies, but their legs are still
longer than average. For me, my inside leg length is 36”, which is apparently
very long. Having long legs is great for an overall image, it helps you to
appear slimmer and taller than you actually are. Although, shaving can be really annoying.
#02 Being taken seriously from a young age
Being a tall girl means you were a tall child. I remember at
around eleven years old and up, I was always mistaken for shop assistants and
store staff. This would happen to me while still being in primary school. But
it’s definitely a perk. Adults automatically assume you’re older which helps
you to feel more mature. It also means you don’t get refused from
rollercoasters.
#03 Easily noticeable
It’s hard to ignore a tall person. No matter how hard you
try, someone who is taller will always stand out and it’s not always a bad
thing. I used to try and hide myself among the crowd, but now I stand tall
meaning others have to look up to me. Getting a lot of attention used to be my worst
nightmare, but if it’s for my height – I’m happy to take it.
#04 Tall compliments
Not that being described with adjectives such as “statuesque”
and “model-esque” happen every day, but when they do, your day is made. “You
should totally model” was said to me once and I kid you not, my mood was lifted
for about three years. Of course, strangers don’t approach in the street and
tell me I look good, but even hearing it from peers is a good feeling.
#06 Being able to reach things
Reaching something a little further away? There’s no struggle
there. Getting things from the top shelf? Never a problem. A tall body is built
with long limbs which means less time asking someone to get something for you.
But it’s not just objects that are easy to reach, kissing doesn’t result in the
pointe pose and he gets less trips to the chiropractor.
#07 Intimidating others without being intimidating
Naturally, humans are intimidated by bigger humans. I’ve
always been a ridiculously shy person, and would never approach someone on my
own. When you’re lacking in confidence and tall, it’s good to remember than
people can assume you’re confidence because
you’re tall. It’s a strange thing to comprehend, but friends have told me
that from their first impression, they thought I was super-confident; when in
fact I’m really not.
#08 Sports advantage
Sometimes when you’re tall, all you have to do is show up
and you’re moderately good at a sport. Netball was always my sport. I played
others, but there are some practises that require skill and co-ordination that
I was built without. Netball including a lot of jumping, reaching and
intercepting. Techniques that are easier with a few extra inches. Plus,
shooting was always easier as I’m closer to the net.
#09 Great hugs
I’ve always found that people who are taller than me give
great hugs. Boy or girl, when someone larger than you gives you a good squeeze,
it’s comforting and mood-lifting. I’ve never assessed my own hugging skills,
but I would never reject a solid hug from someone who towers above.
#10 Heels or no heels
Before the age of sixteen, I never wore heels. Being so tall
results in attention on me and that was something I could never handle. Well, how
things have changed – I can’t resist an amazing pair. Not only do they make my
legs look even longer, but they slim down my overall image and that’s something
I could never turn down. However, I don’t have to wear heels if I don’t want to
and can still appear taller than most people.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Please let me know in the comments if you've found any other advantages of being tall. Also, if you're a petite girl, let me know advantages you've found too!
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