Photo of the Day

January the 31st

Today's photo of the day is a quick one as I have a busy night ahead! I will post today events tomorrow for you all to read! Here's my photo of the day, of the Notre Dame! 

Happy blogging!

Paris

Paris- Day One

Today I arrived, at last, in Paris! I had possibly the least amount of sleep I have ever had and I'm really starting to feel it! I woke up at 4.50 this morning and left at 5.50 to get to the airport. I thankfully managed to squeeze everything I wanted to bring into my suitcase (minus one pair of shoes) thanks to easyjets lame cabin bag allowance. For breakfast I managed to scoff a pack of cadburys twirls and nothing else. I have to also mention something a girl said who was sat behind me whilst I was sat at the boarding gate. Now, I quote "is triple A a bra size or a battery?" I found this not only quite amusing, but so did everyone else around her. Of course for the flight a magasine was an essential but what I hadn't realised was how short the flight was! After only being in the air for about 25minutes we were landing again and I spent the whole of that time with my eyes glued shut.

     Once I arrived I found Bronte at arrivals and we headed to the train station. Thanks to the generosity of two lovely French girls all my trains for the next few days are free because they gave me their passes. It snowed a little and rained a little but I planned ahead and luckily didn't straighten my hair, otherwise known as the untrainable locks. After getting back to Brontes family's house in the lovely out skirts of Paris ( a place with an amazing view over Paris) we then went to the Arc de Triomphe and did a spot of shopping. I didn't spend much but I did buy a lip liner which I've been meaning to for a while. We only went out for a bit as we had to rush back to see the kids. The family Bronte aupairs for are lovely and we ended up spending two hours solidly playing card games! At about 7 we went round the corner to a tiny little Pizzeria for dinner. Me and bront did the typical 'I can't decide what to eat' move and had half and half of a pizza and spag bol. We then all shared three puddings- creme brûlée, tiramisu and raspberry panna cotta. It's great having the kids with us because already I've learnt so much French! I remember a lot more than I thought! We're now all on the sofa watching chalet girl. Tomorrow we're not yet sure exactly what to do but I think part of the day will be spent ice skating! Fingers crossed it snows. I also can't wait to see the lights on the Eiffel Tower or the view from the Arc de Triomphe at night.  

    Photo of the day is postponed until further notice and instead il post multiple photos. Enjoy!

Photo of the Day

January the 29th

Today's been a funny one. I didn't have to go to work until 5 so spent the morning mooching around doing nothing, but as I left for work I suddenly noticed how black the sky was. Within a minute of noticing it it started to hail! I had never seen so much hail fall from the sky but then as I got closer to crowborough it turned into thick, heavy snow! I panicked because the first thing I thought was 'my flight will be cancelled' but it seems to have stopped now and I just pray it won't snow again over night.

     For my trip I had packed two bags; one handbag and one suitcase. I thought that was perfectly fine but turns out you can only take ONE bag. This for me meant a huge dilemma because I wanted to take my Michael Kors bag, but it nearly fills up all my suitcase space! However after almost 40minutes packing and unpacking then repacking I managed to fit it all in! Including everything from my handbag such as my camera! Only slight change is I'm having to wear four layers onto the plane tomorrow to compensate for the lack of room. Personally, I'm just happy I can take my MK bag!

    Anyway I must go to bed as I have such an early start tomorrow! I apologise for any spelling mistakes I'm rushing through tonight's post before I fall asleep. Today's 'Photo of the Day' is of the dark sky this evening. I apologise for poor quality but trying to drive and take a photo at the same time is awfully tricky!

Happy blogging 😊

What is in my suitcase..

What's in my Suitcase..

 

As you all probably know by now I am off to Paris tomorrow for four days to visit Bronte. I promised I would share with you all what clothes I was taking along with me and theres no better way of doing that then creating a Polyvore Collection. I have also added some beauty essentials; my BB cream, Charlotte Tilbury mascara and Charlotte Tilbury lip gloss. Some of the items I've used aren't the exact ones that I have got, but are the most similar I could find.

     I am loving capes at the moment and they pair perfectly with a turtle neck sweater or a cardigan. I will probably have to put loads of layers on as its meant to snow this weekend which is so exciting! I will update you all later with a brief 'Photo of the Day'.

Happy blogging!

What is in my suitcase.. by rebecca-gibson4 featuring michael kors handbags

Photo of the Day

January the 28th

Two days until Paris! I've partially packed and can already tell that my suitcase just isn't big enough for everything I've chosen to take. Today's been mostly spent at work but I did have time this morning to pop to the bank and travel agents to get my euros sorted. I got home at about 9 this evening and have just stuffed my face full of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and a cheeky chocolate pudding. So naughty and I'm now way to full. Tomorrow I've got the whole day off so I plan on having the longest nap EVER in prep for the weekend. As a surprise I've ordered a tshirt Jamie wanted and got it delivered to his address whilst I'm away. I love surprises but I'm awful at ever keeping them- I always spoil it by telling them, especially because Jamie nags me to tell him! Sorry for the rushed post, but tonight's been a bit of a rushed day. 

     My photo of the day is of a present my friend got me for my birthday; a frame with a quote I have always loved. In the background you can see the typical awful English weather. I hope you've all had a great day!

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 27th

My trip to paris is getting closer and closer and I really can't wait one day longer! I've sorted my travel insurance and started to think about what clothes to take (the most important part of preparation!) I ordered two new turtle neck sweaters from New Look, one grey and one black. I have to say, I'm not entirely sure whether I suit a turtle neck, infact my sister laughed at me when I showed her, but I am sure the French will appreciate them plus they go really nicely with my new capes. I will be sharing a post with you all after my trip discussing all my Paris wardrobe choices and I will be posting each days events along with my 'Photo of the Day' which will no doubt turn into my 'Photos of the Day'.

    I want to share with you all a blogger that I've been following on Instagram for a while now. I came across one of her recipes today which made me instantly want to get in the kitchen and do some baking. Only difference is this is a no-bake recipe makes it so quick and easy, so it can be quickly made as a last minute dessert. I will put the link below so you can all check it out!

    My photo of the day was taken yesterday. I have to admit this photo is bloody awful, but the sunset yesterday was incredible. It was so good I detoured home onto ashdown forest to try and capture the moment. However I drove from sight to sight on the forest in search of the perfect view but I took so long that I missed the best part of it. Atleast with this photo you might be able to imagine how great it was!

    I also want everyone who reads this post to click the follow button on this page. I would appreciate even just one follower!

Happy blogging!

    

What Jessica Baked Next- Oreo Cookies 'n Cream Chocolate Tart 

Photo of the Day

January the 26th

Today's photo of the day doesn't really count as a 'photo' in my mind, but more of a screenshot. I was scrolling through Instagram and came across a photo along with an essay for a caption. Usually I scroll straight past long captions, but once I started reading this one I couldn't help but read on. What Sjana Earp wrote not only expresses exactly what I believe, but she worded it perfectly- something I've never been able to do. I think if everyone could live with this view on life then there would be no issue with self confidence and everyone would be a whole lot happier about themselves! Take a few minutes just to have a read..

   

Photo of the day

January the 25th

This week has gone so fast! In fact, since finishing school and starting full time work, each day comes and goes so quickly. It feels like only yesterday it was the first of January! I remember when I was younger and each day would feel like eternity and was so easily wished away when something exciting was coming up. Now the days fly by and I appreciate every single day without wishing too much for it to be the next. 

    Today was the typical lazy Sunday. I slept until 9ish and had a mahoosive breakfast consisting of sausages, bacon, pancakes and some berries to top it off! I remember the first time Jamie cooked me pancakes and I was intrigued! He is lucky enough to have a traditional Arga so, as you may have seen in a previous 'Photo of the Day',he tips the mixture straight onto the hot surface and somehow manages to cook perfectly round pancakes. He also introduced me too having the typical American topping, butter and maple syrup. I had always been a Nutella or lemon & sugar kind of girl, but this combination made a scrumptious topping.

    We then decided, after being some what forced to watch match of the day, to watch a film I have been longing to see: White House Down. I saw an advert for it a while ago and since then have wanted to see it. I love an action film so for me this film ticked all the boxes- it's a film the dads would definitely love! 

    We then decided Jamie's room needed it's regular monthly rearrange. He has way way waaay to many shoes and keeps all the boxes too so half of his room is taken up with shoes! 

   My photo of the day is of my favourite puppy having a nap today and another of Jamie wearing his coat in bed (a sign he loves his new coat slightly too much). 

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 24th

I absolutely love a fire on a cold evening and the past few days have been incredibly cold, but without snow! What's the point in the cold if it's not going to snow? It's just not enjoyable. To try and escape the cold I've been looking at possible holiday destinations for this year. Me and Jamie wanted a two week get away in May and after endless searches I think I've found 'the one'. It's a lovely hotel in the beach in Corfu and quite cheap, which is always a benefit. Talking about holidays I finally booked my flights to Paris! I checked this morning as the prices seem to increase with every minute and too my surprise they had deceased! BUT only because there was only one seat left on the flight there, so I quickly booked it! Now I'm definitely going I can start to prepare; this includes buying those home comforts which bront is missing (cadburys chocolate and simple moisturiser).

      After work today me and Jamie ventured to Royal Tunbridge Wells for a spot of shopping. Of course any shopping trip with Jamie involves spending way to much money and especially on his behalf! He denies it but i think £300 on a coat and a pair of shoes counts as spending to much money. I on the other hand spent a little less money. I bought two capes; a burgundy one from Topshop and a grey/black one from Next. I've been wanting to buy one for a while now so when I spotted two that I liked I had to purchase them! I also looked around for some long sleeve, turtleneck tshirts but wasn't successful so tonight I will spend internet shopping.

   Me and Jamie also love love LOVE films! We watch one pretty much every evening so today we purchased six new ones to watch. One being The Croods which we watched this afternoon. Jamie's now cooking dinner whilst i put the next film on: Chef. I watched this on our flight to Thailand but it's definitely one that can be repeatedly watched.

   My photo of the day is a collage of today's happenings. 

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 23rd

I've been a busy girl today. My fellow blogger friend, Bronte Patterson, creator of A Fashionable Thought, has moved to Paris for six months to be an Aupair. She's invited me to come and stay with her next weekend so I have been searching for the cheapest way to get there. I haven't been having much luck as all forms of transport are pretty expensive apart from coaches but they take 9hours, so I think I'd rather spend more! I'm so so excited but just stressing over how I'm actually going to get there! For tonight though I'm going to forget the troubles of Paris and have my first girly night in, in what seems like forever! All my friends from college have left and gone to uni (all but Bronte) so the few remaining friends I have left in East Sussex I only see when I'm not at work which is pretty much never! But tonight is a perfect night to cook my friend, Hannah, a yummy dinner and catch up on everything. A while ago I made her bacon, kale and goats cheese  pasta which she fell in love with so choosing what to make was super easy! For pudding we were a bit naughty and brought millionaires cheesecake which we are yet to dig into.

     Today was pay day, otherwise known as a bloggers best friend! There's always an online order waiting to be made and this month the first thing I want to order is the ingredients to make lavender bath salts. I found the 'recipe' on Pinterest and  think they make the perfect gift but also a perfect addition to my bath after a stressful week. You might have remembered me mention the fact I don't particularly enjoy baths but recently I've started to appreciate the warmth of a bath on a cold evening.

   My photo of the day is two put together; one of my tub time this evening and the other of a book I received for Christmas which I've been trying to get into. It's written by the same author of Gone Girl which I thoroughly enjoyed. I find some books hard to enjoy at first but I'm hoping that it will get slightly more interesting then it currently is.

Happy blogging everyone!

Photo of the Day

January the 21st

I'm currently on my third episode of The Hundred. Jamie hates it so whilst he's at football is the perfect time to catch up. My room is a tip but full of flowers (Jamie bought me ANOTHER bunch yesterday! I must be doing something right). Dinner tonight was so incredibly yummy; butternut squash chips, broccoli and cauliflower cheese and broccoli, Stilton and kale quiche.

     I saw a photo on Deliciously Ella's Instagram of her coconut Thai curry today which has given me an idea for dinners next week. You should all check it out, it looks so tasty! I don't have much else to report for today plus I should probably start tidying my room. I can't stand it being a mess! 

    My photo of the day is a throw back to New Years Eve at my besties house. I hope you're not all caught up with the January blues! Just think, it's almost February!

Happy blogging!

Photo of the day

January the 20th

I really wish I could tell you my day was awfully exciting, but really it was terribly dull. The only exciting part was waking up to see snow falling from the sky for the first time this year! 

      I've had a full day at work, but it allowed me plenty of time to think of something yummy to make for dinner. Jamie hates fish, but ever since I met him I've been determined to change this. Tuna steaks are the least fishiest fish I can think of which are also unbelievably tasty so I decided to cook him these tonight in hope it might be the night that Jamie breaks his 'no fish' rule (fingers crossed). However I have got a rump steak as a back up in case he turns his nose up at it. Of course il be accompanying it with butternut squash chips and tones of veg!

I hope you've all had a plesent day! Here's my photo of the day; a photo of my naughty cat caught licking the window!

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

Sorry it's late It never published- January the 19th

Today was rather an exciting day. The Waitrose I work at finally got their new welcome desk installed, which looks pretty snazzy, if I do say so myself. I got so carried away trying to rehome all our customer service desk essentials that I even finished 15 minutes late (#imsosad). 

    The first part of my day began with a warm bath to get the creative juices flowing before heading to the kitchen table to finish my new blog design. Four hours later I had finally finished and it's safe to say that I'm pretty pleased with it, for once! I also learnt that a bath in the morning is rather enjoyable and seen as I'm more of a shower kind of girl, this is pretty big news in the world of me. 

   After spending only four hours at work I headed home to cook dinner for the family. Jamie has recently joined a new gym in Uckfield so hopefully we will now spend more time at mine and I will have the time to atleast attempt some form of exercise. I also got a surprise bunch of flowers when he arrived after the gym, which he rarely does unless there's a special occasion in which flowers are a must. This sparked an enormous appreciation for him (not that I don't always appreciate him) but sometimes those small gifts can mean a lot. 

    Today's 'Photo of the Day' was taken this evening and is of my beautiful flowers.

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 18th

I wish every day could be Sunday. For me, even though I'm not religious, every Sunday is a day of rest simply because of the relaxed feeling I get when I awake on a Sunday morning, especially in the winter. 

Firstly I want to mention a post I read on Pinterest which was about a dry shampoo brand and the blogger mentioned how she didn't have to wash her hair for 6/7 days. 6/7 DAYS!? For me, when I read this, I could not believe my eyes! I wash my hair every other day, if not everyday! I can't stand the feeling of unwashed hair and even though I try my best not to wash it so often, I hate the thought of ever going into work with greasy hair. Now, I don't know whether washing your hair every other day is excessive or normal so if anyone reading this that does the same then please let me know that I'm not the only one!

  Enough about greasy hair and blogger envy and back to the serious stuff. This afternoon me and Jamie went to see the new film American Sniper featuring the amazing Bradley Cooper. We had heard some incredible reviews and stats on this film. Those of you that are also film nerds might have also heard that American Sniper had made $90.2 million just this weekend meaning it had beaten other January releases such as Avatar. It's not just the stats that reveal how great it clearly is but if you see it for yourself you're bound to agree. For those who would like to briefly know what it's about keep reading, for those that don't, skip to the next paragraph. American Sniper is a true story about a man name Chris Kyle, a man from Texas who was a Cowboy up until he saw a news report on the attacks on the American Embassy in Tanazania and Kenya and later the 9/11 attacks. This is what pushes him to join the SEALS and venture out to Iraq. The film documents each of his tours, all four of them, and how he gained the title of the most lethal sniper in American military history. You experience the effects not only on Chris Kyles mental state, but how it effected his family. The most key part of the entire film was the moment a women handed a child a grenade to throw at the American troops. Kyle has to go againt human instinct and kill the child in order to save his companions. This really is an emotion packed film which exposes the real nature of the Iraq war. If you fancy watching the trailer then click the link below:
American Sniper Trailer

It's safe to read now! My photo of the day was taken this morning and just made me smile which is why I chose to share it with you all!

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 17th

Today was like any other Saturday. I went too work at 10, went home, went back to work then to Jamie's where we sit and do nothing. My photo of the day was taken early this morning when I was awoken by my cat growling. I switched the light on and too my horror my cat was chasing a mouse round my bedroom floor! I eventually chased him, with the mouse in his mouth, back downstairs and outside. 

    I also want to bring up new hair do's. I have had the same hair for way too long now and want a change. Thanks to Pinterest, I have decided that I would like to dye it as well as restore the layers I once had. Il make sure to take before and after photos so you may all see the transformation. 

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 16th

Firstly I must mention that I did post my photo of the day for the past few days but for some reason it didn't appear on my homepage, but that's now sorted! Back to today's photo; It's a throw back to my Leavers Ball. All the girls gathered at my friend brontes house for pre-drinks and thanks to my friends mum (who's a photographer) we all got some lovely photos. Our Leavers Ball was a last minute dicision when it came to the outfit. In the end, whilst everyone wore a dress, I decided to wear a playsuit. The one I bought was from Forever 21 and my shoes, an old purchase, from New Look. Obviously to complete the look I bought a clutch bag from River Island and a necklace from Accessorise. This photo is of us all just before we left.

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 14th

I had to drag myself out of bed this morning for work at 9. We've got a new Welcome Desk being installed on Sunday so a select few of us had a training day. I spent the day learning to flower wrap and how to deliver the best customer service possible. 

I got home at four, packed away all my stuff from my trip to Derby and tidied up my tip of a bedroom! I then decided to cook myself something yummy for dinner.  Seen as we have plenty of soup in our fridge I used up some of the Bacon and Lentil soup and made some butternut squash chips. I rarely use butternut squash as an ingredient but these were super SUPER tasty! I chopped it up, leaving the skin on, and simply placed the chips on an oiled tray. I added three full garlic cloves to roast with them and a sprinkle of chilli powder once they were cooked. I recommend them as a tasty and healthy alternative to potato chips. I then fancied making a crumble for pudding. For this I cut up a whole apple and mixed some oats, brown sugar, butter and plain flour. To top it off I sprinkled it with some cinnamon. My photo of the day is of both tonight's creations!

Happy blogging!

Photo of the Day

January the 13th

Today involved just two things- visiting my grandad and travelling back down to Sussex, but it only took these two things to create a very reflective day. Going to the hospital on my own was tricky. Not only is it hard to see my grandad struggle, but it's hard seeing him get frustrated with himself when he can't remember simple things such as me visiting him the day before. He also still makes silly, but worrying mistakes such as eating his dinner with his glasses, thinking it's his fork. I couldn't help but just sit and reflect on the wonderful times our family have had together. I've always had a close bond with my grandad and even when I was little I would always be by his side.

     I got to the train station two hours early so thought there was no better time to start redesigning my blog (of course with a latte in one hand.) The journey back was long and tiresome but when I finally got back it was nice to see my lovely boyfriend sat waiting for my arrival. It was being on the tube that sparked a thought. There were tones of us all packed tightly onto the tube yet it was the quietest place I had been all day. All I could hear was the sound of people's music seaping from their headphones. I have odd moments where I just like to look at the people around me and wonder what their lives a like and simply reflect on the human race and the world we've created. 

       I got home and was greated by the incredible smell of soup which, I believe, was truely earnt (even if I did sneak a pasty at the station in London.) 

       My photo of the day was taken at London St Pancras because it's truly the most beautiful station. I do also love London Bridge station because it's directly beneath the Shard.. Enough talking, here's the photo!

Happy blogging!

  

Blog design

I just want to make a brief apology for the mess my blog is currently in. I'm in the process of updating the design and hopefully it will look a tiny bit better once I'm done!

Photo of the Day

January the 12th

Today was another long day. I got the train from Uckfield to London at 6.30 am (it was full of tired, snoring business men!) I then got the train to Derby which enabled me to finish my book, The Rosie Project. I love travelling on the train, it's so peaceful and I find it rather relaxing. I arrived in derby at about 10.30 am then managed to navigate myself to the hospital in which my Grandad is at. I was surprised I found it to be honest. My text to my mother read: "I made it. Who would have guessed!" After seeing my grandad, me and my grandma made the journey home on the numerous buses in the pouring rain. At each bus stop I clutched my Michael Kors bag under my coat hoping for it not to be rained on (I love it too much!) Once we got home we had to walk from the bus stop to the house; during this time we got absolutely drenched by some inconsiderate taxi driver. After hanging all my clothes on the radiators to dry, I had a well earned nap.

 My photo of the day was taken on the train. Of course on every early train journey a coffee and book is essential. I tried to get a more artistic photo but the lady opposite started singing for some odd reason and put me off. 

Photo of the Day

January the 11th

Sundays are the best day of the week. It's where me and my other half do absolutely nothing apart from lounge about on the sofa watching what ever film appears on television. Most often then not we also take a trip to Waitrose to get either lunch or breakfast, and without a doubt end up going back for something we forgot, but don't actually need. Today's Sunday was slightly different, but only because for once we woke up reasonably early (8.30) and went for a run (but in my case more of a running-walk.) Im not the best at running, but I am hoping to improve slowly but surely with time which of course sets Jamie off on one complaining about how slow I am! We then spent the day, as usual, going to Waitrose to get lunch then watching films such as Princess Diaries. A classic that even Jamie enjoyed! I must add, Jamie did less lounging then me because he spent part of the afternoon washing his car which is when I took my photo of the day. I appeared from the kitchen to ask if he wanted a hand and thought I'd get a photo of him in action, but as I took it he looked up and threatened to spray me with water (he isn't the most photogenic type.) So here it is, my photo of the day! Enjoy!

Photo of the Day

January the 10th

Today's photo is one taken whilst at a spa hotel, East Sussex National, that I used to work at. Me and my mum bought passes so have been taking full advantage of them. As you can see, the swimming pool is to die for and most evenings it's empty so we always get the place to ourselves. This place is the perfect place to unwind after a week full of work and the gym facilities are also great for those wanting to commit to their "get fit" New Years resolution. Enough talk, here's my photo!

Happy blogging..

Photo of the Day

January the 9th

Today's photo is a throwback to New Years eve. I attended two parties that evening; one at a friends house and one with my boyfriend. When I arrived at the second party my boyfriend was already extremely drunk and after being there for approximately 1 hour he decided to jump on his large, rugby player friends shoulders causing them to both topple back. Jamie cut both his shoulder and head open causing way to much drama for some to handle. Luckily his friends mum was a nurse so she said he needed it glued- only issue was no one was in the state to drive. We ended up just wrapping his head in a bandage (I'm sure you can guess that he looked hilarious) and waiting till the following morning. My photo of the day might not be for the faint hearted, because it's of his gruesem head.

Happy blogging!

P.s check out my glittery nails 

The Beginners Guide to Knitting

I have been promising this guide to knitting for a long time now so it's about time I posted it! This post shows you how to cast on and how to do a simple knit stitch. Il make it as simple as possible so hopefully in no time at all you'll all be knitting like professionals.

Casting on

1. Firstly you need to tie a loop in the end of the wool.

2. You then need to slide this loop onto your left needle.

 This is when you can start to cast onto your needle. Depending on what you're making you'll have to cast on a certain number of stitches. In this example I only cast on a few.

3. You need to slide your right needle through the loop and underneath the left hand needle.

4. You then wrap the wool anticlockwise round the underneath needle (the right hand side needle).

5. Once the wool has been wrapped round the needle you need to slide the right needle out bringing it towards you and pulling the wool with it creating two loops, one on each needle.

6. You then need to take the right needle and slide the stitch from it into the left needle.

7. You carry on doing this until you have the correct amount of stitches.

Knitting stitch

1. The same as casting on, you firstly need to slide the right hand needle underneath the left hand needle and through the first loop.

2. You then wrap the wool round the right hand needle, anticlockwise.

3. You then pull the needle out from underneath, pulling the string with it so the right hand needle has a loop around it.

4. You then pull the right needle away from the left, pulling the first loop off of the left needle.

It's as simple as that! I must admit, trying to explain how to pull the right needle from underneath is the most difficult part but if you can't seem to hack it then there are plenty of videos on YouTube which will show you! Next week I will show you all how to Purl stitch, but for now GET PRACTICING!