Things to do in London this August

July 30, 2015



Living in London, there are so many things to do that it can be slightly overwhelming. But here is a round up of 10 things to do in London this August!

1. Visit an outdoor cinema. I have only done this once and I would absolutely do it again. Watching a film (I saw Breakfast at Tiffanys) and watching the sun go down is so much fun, theres something just so chilled about it. The most popular ones in London are;

The Nomad Cinema and The Luna Cinema - Both are always in different locations
- Rooftop Film Club - Queen of Hoxton

There's some amazing films coming up so check them out!


2. Film 4 Summer Screen, Somerset House 6 - 19th August. Very similar to an Outdoor Cinema, the difference with the Summer Screen is that the film are more unusual, Film 4 describe them as 'classic, cult and contemporary films'. There are also previews of new films here too, including 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E'. Also featuring a DJ before the film starts, this is the perfect event for Summer with friends.


3. Outdoor theatres have had a surge in popularity this year and with one in Holland Park, and one in Regents Park I am sure there is something to tickle your fancy;

Normally hosting six operas per season the Opera Holland Park has 50 performances. Some well known and some unknown works. This season the Opera's are;
- Il trittico
- Flight
- Aida
- Lakmé
- L'amore dei tre Re
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Sold Out)

Another favourite is Regents Park Open Air Theatre: Currently showing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Lord of the Flies.


4. For something a little more unusual: Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch at the Barbican - 5th August - 31st October. There are still a few tickets left for August! Cumberbatch is taking on the iconic Hamlet role for a 12 week run this Summer. After seeing the roles that he has taken on (And smashed) before, I am sure that this will be amazing! But snap up those tickets soon ...


5. Dancing around in the sun at a festival is a perfect Summery thing to do. And with many in and around London it's the perfect chance to soak up the rays, and some music!
Canary Wharf Jazz Festival - 14, 15 & 16 August in Canada Sq Park. Jazz Festival: The Rawness, The Filthy Six and The Fontanelles
- V Festival - 22 & 23 August, Hylands Park in Chelmsford. I know this is not in London, but so close to London! Just a couple of stops away. This is one of the larger festivals, and the line up this year looks amazing! Hozier, Annie MAc, Stereophonics, James Bay and Paloma Faith.
South West Four - 29 & 30 August on Clapham Common. Dance Festival: Faithless, Sigma, Skrillix, Eric Prydz and Basement Jaxx

Also; not in August, but worth a mention:
On Blackheath - 12 & 13 September On Blackheath. The Kinks, Laura Mvula, Madness, Elbow and Manic Street Preachers.


6. Notting Hill Carnival - 29, 30 & 31st August. Europe's biggest festival, representing London's past and present, and also one of London's most favourite events. It is such a fun, and vibrant two day event featuring lots of live music, a float parade and lots of costumes. The parade starts at Great Western Road and finishes in Ladbroke Grove. It is also a judged event, all the groups put on a real show, so the best place to stand is as near to the judging area! Definitely worth a look!


7. Prudential Ride London - Sunday 2nd August. Prudential Ride London is a two day cycling event in London. Certain roads are closed in London and in Surrey, and amateur cyclists take on a tremendous 100mile route. Check out the routes on the above link, scout out the best place and watch, and clap on the cyclists.


8. Buckingham Palace Summer Openings - 25th July - 27th September. Every Summer from the end of July until the end of August, Buckingham Palace opens its doors! You can visit 19 state rooms, an special exhibition and through the Palace Gardens, and more importantly ... the gift shop! Is anyone else's favourite bit the gift shop?!


9. Triathlon - 8 & 9th August. A swim, followed by a run and then a bike ride. The timing and the distance varies on the different levels, from Sprint, to Olympic, all the way through to Junior.


10. Beer Festival at Kensington Olympia - 11 - 15th August. This is the biggest beer festival in the UK! Featuring over 350 breweries and 27 bars, also including entertainment and pub games! Sounds like the perfect festival right?! There are over 900 ales, ciders and other beers meaning that there is something for everyone!


I hope you enjoyed this little selection, let me know what will you be visiting the August!

Recipe // Summer Pesto Pasta

July 25, 2015



Today I thought I would bring you a fresh summery dinner recipe. It's a super quick, Pesto and Chorizo Spaghetti, perfect for Summer evenings, eating on the balcony (If only I had one ... )



Ingredients;

- 120g Chorizo, chopped- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 large handful of fresh Basil
- 50g Pine Nuts
- 3 tbs Olive Oil
- 50g Parmesan
- 200g spaghetti

Serves 2 people.

Method;

In a frying pan or wok, dry fry the Chorizo. Once the Chorizo is golden, take the Chorizo off the heat leaving the oil in the pan and keeping the chorizo in a bowl. As this is frying, start cooking the spaghetti and grind down the garlic in a pestle and mortar, adding in the Basil and pine nuts until ground down in to a paste. Once this is at a paste consistency mix in the Olive Oil and Parmesan.


Once the spaghetti is cooked, add it and the pesto in to the frying pan with the Chorizo oil. Mixing the spaghetti in with the Chorizo oil means that the flavour of the Chorizo runs all through the dish. And serve! Mmm mmm mmm ...


This dish is lovely and fresh tasting, and the contrast with the crisp basil pesto and the more indulgent and salty chorizo! This can be done in less than 20 minutes as well. perfect mid week meal!

What's you favourite Summer dinner? 

What I got for my birthday

July 21, 2015



Before I get started, just a little disclaimer. I am not boasting, I am nosy! This is my favourite kind of post to read so I thought that I would share this with you!

Firstly, one of my oldest friends and his new lovely lady got me a beautiful bunch of summery flowers, these have graced these photos of my pressies!

Clockwise from top right;
- Individual lasagne dishes from my grandparents; exactly what I wanted!
- Cinworld gift voucher (have just booked Ant Man for next week! EEEEeeekk)
- Summer Pudding Candle by Lily Flame Candles
- Little felted Owl ornament
- 'Today is your day' Choccies from Mummy (Ordered from Not On The High Street)
- Natural Soy & Olive Candles in Marshmallow Rose and Lemon & May Chang
- iPad Stand (How did I ever live without this?)


Clockwise from right;
- July Birchbag from my beautiful friends Susie and Malcolm (Close up below)
- Lip Balm
- Sally Hansen Nail Varnish
- Lipcote
- Epilator - Braun Silk epil 9




Close Up from the Birchbag (Clockwise from right);
- Unani Aloe Vera Gel
- Benefit Dream Scream Suncream
- Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Luminizer Gel
- Barely: Prep. Blot & Blend Sponge
- Pop Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait
- Indemne Eau de Genie



From Right hand corner;
- Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom Colouring Book
- Staedtler Colouring Pens
- Nike Sports Bra
- Ray Ban Clubmaster
- Bluetooth Headphones
- Nike Free Run 5.0's

Hope you enjoyed having a little nosy!

What's on your birthday list?

Six of the Best // Dining Tables

July 19, 2015


Image from North Elevation blog - Home of Bob Weinstein and Eric Hensley.
(It's stunning, I would to move in tomorrow!!)

Ok ... Let me get this straight. This is six of the best mid range dining tables, because we all know, the Saarinen Tulip table in white laminate is perfection! But with prices starting at £1,560 it isn't the most affordable.

Here are my favourite more affordable choices (Warning; Most are wooden, and minimal ... my favourite!)

The first, is the gorgeous Belfort Dining Table from Swoon Editions: £339


It has an Ash Veneered Top and a Walnut base and seats up to four people. Seating four people, The proportions of this table are beautiful, and paired with some vintage style Mid Century Armchairs would be gorgeous. You do have to register with them to receive emails from, and there is a longer lead time but I think that they are worth it!




The next Dining Table is the Copenhagen Dining Table from Next: £275



A brilliant thing about ordering with a large well known company such as Next is they usually have stock in the Warehouse for immediate delivery, meaning no wait for this gorgeous table. This is the cheapest for them all, and for a 160cm long table, seating 6 table is a bit of a bargain. With an oak finish on the legs and white laminate top it will fit in to all schemes.

Next is the Scrumpy Dining Table (Love the name!) from Loaf: £275.


Just look at it! I think that;s enough said ... ?

I think I should also tell you that the the Scrumpy Table is also made from reclaimed timber, making each one unique ... b.e.a.utiful!

The next three are all Expandable Dining Tables. Living in London, and with a lot of my friends living in London I know that most flats, or even houses are on the smaller size and space is a premium, With this in mind an expandable dining table is perfect! On a daily basis you can use the table for one, two, four people, however many you live with but then for entertaining, just pull out the leaves and voila! Dinner Party!

The first is the Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table from West Elm: £699.


Expandable, which is very useful in a small home or if you often have dinner parties, seating eight or ten people. With gorgeous angled solid wood legs, in a mid-century design and with beautiful beveled edges this table would be perfect in any dining room.

Next, the Deakin Extending 2 Leaf Dining Table from Barker and Stonehouse: £685.


A stunningly simple Oak table, also an extendable one would suit any modern room, with curved edges and simple straight legs it creates a very minimal look.

And last, but not least is the House by John Lewis Lily Extending Dining Table from John Lewis: £375.


A smaller table, seating 4-6 people. A solid American Oak Dining Table, with long, slim, angled legs and a simple top with rounded edges, perfect in any setting! (And a bargain!)

Hope you've found one that you like here!

What is your favourite dining table?

Recently // Hen Weekend

July 15, 2015


Emily's Hen 4/7/15

The weekend before last I had the privilege of going on one of my closet friends' Hen Weekend. All arranged by the Maid of Honour (who did an amazing job!) it was absolutely perfect for the Hen. We had a lovely chilled weekend down in Bournemouth, lots of Gin and Whiskey drinking, walks on the beach, Wine and Chocolate tasting and all topped off with a dodgy breakfast, what else could you ask for?!

Here are a couple of pics from the wonderful weekend ...





 How gorgeous are these Cath Kidston Beach Huts?!




After a stroll around Bournemouth and a walk along the beach, the Maid of Honour had booked us in at 'Burger Shop' which is incredible! If you're in  or around Bournemouth I cannot recommend this place enough. I had the Original Burger with Sweet Potato fries and 'oh my goodness;, all washed down with a Budweiser. Mmmm mmmm mmmm ... Can I go back now please?






And of course, what else follows beer and burgers better than Sprinkles Ice Cream? It is the cutest Ice Cream Parlour ever, and made even better by the fact they sold my favourite ever ice cream flavour ... Peach!




If you're looking for a place to spend the weekend to relax, soak up the sun and that has some great bars, then Bournemouth is for you!

Have you ever been to Bournemouth before?

Wedding Guest Outfits


I am now at that age where my friends are getting engaged, and married around me. Meaning that I want need to obtain a few new dresses. I have been on the hunt for months now, so I thought I would share with you some of the most gorgeous dresses I have come across. Below are five dresses and accessories from five high street stores (making it easier to pick up those last minute worries!)

Anthropologie


This is a gorgeous little number, decorated with abstract, painterly flowers. Pairing with a mettalic clutch bag to make it a little more glam and the turquoise heels really bring out the bright blues in the print.

Dress: Tea Petite Garden Dress, Bag: Miss Albright Gietro Rolled Pouch and Shoes: Lien.Do Amorzao Slingbacks


Missguided


Nothing is as glamourous as a maxi dress with a split, made wedding appropriate by the tea dress floral design. Adding the neon pink pop of colour with the box bag and block heels making the outfit more fun and modern.

Dress: Nude Maxi Dress, Bag: Neon Pink Clutch Bag and Shoes: Neon Pink Block Heel Court Shoe


Oasis

This is probably my favourite dress of the series! It is a gorgeous shape, nipping in at the waist and with the most stunning print! The orange accessories bring out the small pop of orange and the small amount of yellow. Wearing flats instead of heels also means you can dance on in to the night without thinking about your feet.

Dress: Posey Print Jacquard Dress, Bag: Orange Leather Iris Purse and Shoes: Orange Bow Toe Post Sandals


Topshop


Another gorgeous floral dress, a demure midi dress with a heavy print. Keeping the accessories nude and simple lets the dress sing, not overpowering the look.

Dress: Floral Midi Dress, Bag: Crossbody Bag and Shoes: Metal Toe Sandals


Warehouse


And last, but not least is this stunning fuchsia pink pleated midi. So simple and so elegant. With the vibrant colour, keeping to white shoes, and acessories ensure that the dress speaks for itself.

Dress: Pink Lace Pleated Midi Dress, Bag: Double Tassel Cross-Body Bag and Shoes: White T-Bar Shoes

I hope you've seen something you like!

What will you be wearing to any weddings this year?

Happy Birthday

July 12, 2015


Image from here


So today is my birthday, well the end of my birthday, I hit the big 27. And to celebrate, I thought I would share my '28 things before I turn 28'. I know that it is mega cheesy but it is something I write every year and it pushes me to experience and achieve more. So here they are ...

1. Blog three times a week
2. Give blood
3. Learn to drive - Come on ... I'm 27 now!
4. Learn a new skill - Photography, another language, html etc
5. Bake my own bread
6. See my family more - Visit my home town and all the people in it more often
7. See my best friend more - She doesn't live too far away but we both leave such busy lives that finding a weekend together can be difficult
8. Discover more of London - I would love to take an Open Top Bus Tour
9. Explore more of the area where we live - We have lived here for nearly 5 years but I couldn't tell you the best restaurants here (Please don't tell anyone!)
10.Visit the 10 of the best coffee shops in London - Just because I have a lot of love for coffee!
11. Visit Columbia Road Flower Market
12. Nail a winged liquid liner
13. Get to my ideal weight
14. Do a 5k Park Run
15. Do the Colour Run - (Next year)
16. Play darts - We have such a love of Darts but I haven't played in about 10 years
17. Go on a Sun Holiday - We haven't been on one for at least three years
18. Watch the Sunrise
19. Watch the Sunset
20. See 5 comedians live - Cheating a little, have already booked Michael McIntyre and Jimeoin both in October
21. Read Lord of the Rings - One of my favourite films, I read the Hobbit and started LOTR years ago but would love to read them all through again
22. Read a Classic
23. Watch a Classic
24. Attend a life drawing class - A friend of mine goes around once a month and I would love to tag along at least once
25. Watch the Nutcracker
26. Have a TV, iPad and Netflix free week
27. Finish a short story and/or participate in NaNoWriMo - because why not!
28. Do something that scares me - Not sure on what this is yet, but I will keep it posted

I'm hoping that by publicising them it will encourage me to complete them all, as I haven't been too hot on that in recent years!

What are you hoping to achieve this year?

5 Tips for Summer Entertaining

July 09, 2015


Image from Lauren Conrad


One of my favourite things to do in the Summer is to host gatherings for all my friends and family. Whenever there is a sporting event, or a birthday we use that as an excuse to get everyone together. So here are a few tips for easier Summer Entertaining.

1. Create one main dish, with smaller supporting dishes
2. Be ready when people arrive

Image from redonline

For a summery gathering, something like Pulled Pork is perfect. This one from redonline is amazing (We had this for Ryan's birthday last year!) Keep this one in the oven for 12-18hours, shred it and leave it in the oven to soak up the juice for another hour, meaning that your main is done. Add a couple of supporting dishes, such as coleslaw, salad, buns etc makes this into a 'make your own' dinner, and definitely grill some corn on the cob to go with this too! Being ready when the first guests arrive is imperative for a relaxing gathering.

3. Create a drinks table (Or trolley), they look amazing and they are so practical for guests. You can leave them to their own devices, have whichever drink they would like, leaving you to chat to everyone and make your food is all looking lovely.

Image from So Haute

4. Lighting! This sets the scene for the evening. Having dimmed lighting and way too many candles makes the room feel cosy and your guests will settle down and really feel at home.


5. Lastly, make sure you have a summer playlist going. This sets the mood, and music makes everyone happy!

Hope you have some fantastic, chilled gatherings this Summer and have lots of yummy food!

I Love Summer (And Napoleon Dynamite)

July 07, 2015





“If you vote for me, it will be summer all year round.” - Napoleon Dynamite

Colour Crush // Coral

July 05, 2015




After my Coral loving June, I thought that I would share with you some beautiful Corally images from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board!

Enjoy ...


Favourites // June

July 02, 2015




So June is over! Is it me or is this year just flying past already?!

I thought I would share with you my favourite things from June!

Firstly ... Lipsticks. I resisted for so long. But coming into June, and the warmer weather, I just felt I had to do it. The Revlon HD Lipsticks. I have seen them everywhere, and keep on reading rave reviews, they also just stared at me everytime I walked into Boots! So I caved ... !

Seriously though, I may already own six other corally lipsticks (at least!) but I just think these colours are perfect for summer! With a tan and a gorgeous white summer dress! Perfect!! I picked up Hibiscus, which is a more nude coral, something a bit more natural, for an everyday lip. And Geranium which is a brighter coral and more of a statement lip colour. The lipsticks themselves have great pigmentation, the colours are so bright and they do last for hours (a reapply at lunchtime keeps it nicely topped up). Although I did find that if you don't wear a lip balm underneath, they can dry out and go a little clumpy. And the smell! Oh my goodness the smell is amazing! Revlon describe it as a Vanilla Mango scent and they're so right! (I have to stop myself from eating it!)

From lipsticks to nails, my polish favourite is definitely Sally Hansen's 'Get Juiced'. Are you starting to see a theme here? Maybe just the colour Coral is my favourite! This polish is a gorgeous pinky coral shade, and looks incredible on any nails! The staying power is fab too, I have quite a hands on job, but I can comfortably have this on for 3-4 days without a chip (NB: that's also with a Seche Vite topcoat) and that is pretty good going in my eyes, considering they're normally chipped on the second day! The polish only takes two coats until opaque, and dries very shiny. With the Revlon HD and these nails i feel so summery!

And onto my Sumner candle, I popped into Anthropologie a few weeks back for a look around and picked up the most gorgeous smelling candle. It is the Apricoat and Basil Soy Candle, with added notes of Seville Orange too. It comes in a lovely looking tin too, which has a lid to keep the scent in which is a lovely little bonus. Unfortunately I cannot find this online, but they had lots left in the Kings Road store.

I was also loving (and will carry on loving) this lovely dress from H&M. It was the print that caught my eye first, it is just so tropical and fun, I could imagine myself throwing this on with some sandals during the heatwave we've been promised here! For me, the fit is perfect. It's nips in at the waist and flairs out slightly on the hips, and hits just above the knee. The fabric is quite thin, but in a good way. Like, you know you won't be melting like the Wicked Witch in the heat. And for £7.99 you can't complain. They have a few other prints and colours as well, so be sure to have a look next time you're there, I think I'll pop in tomorrow and pick up a few more!

And my last favourite is a Podcast, Happier by Gretchen Rubin. I read her book 'The Happiness Project' a couple of years ago and loved it. So when my friend recommend the Podcast to me, I immediately downloaded it. It is such a great morning Podcast to listen to. She give little tips, try this at homes etc for you to make your life that little bit happier.my favourite that I've put into practice so far is 'The Update'. This is exactly as it sounds, where you update your loved ones with what you've been up to recently. And you're allowed to be boring! When you see someone everyday you have loads to catch up on. But when you see someone once every few weeks you don't. The small things don't seem to matter weeks later. My sister and I have been trying this and it definitely works. This Podcast is definitely worth a listen to. 

I hope you enjoyed my first favourites! What were your favourites for June?