The new love of my life

So I finally took the plunge and bought a Mulberry bag! For those of you who have been reading from pretty much the beginning you will remember me declaring my need for Mulberry. It arrived last Thursday and is so beautiful! I think it's the most beautiful thing I've ever owned. It is the Oversized Alexa.

Of course I know what you're thinking. How the hell did I afford something that's my months salary? Well first, I may have used the majority of the money I've been saving for next year, hell - I can earn more. And second, I didn't pay the RRP. Thank you eBay! Getting a second hand one for about half the price was the only way I could justify buying one and I was lucky enough to win a real one that had only been lightly used. I did my research and am very happy with the result.

I figured since after I move house next year, I'll be needing every penny for bills and eventually buying a house of my own, so why not no when I have no financial commitments, cheap rent and can actually spare the cash?

My dad wasn't very pleased at all with me, and I can definitely see his side. But I have dreamed of owning a Mulberry bag since I was 16 (so we're talking a good 8 years) and plan on keeping it forever. And it will last forever as long as I take care of it. So definitely no cookies allowed in here!

What do you think? Am I a total nutter for using half my months salary on "a bit of leather to carry stuff around in"?

My Week 8

A week of pancakes, sketching and a bit of dancing at the end.

*Watched Tea for Two for my upcoming old film style post. Not my favourite Doris Day film, but the style and the title song stuck in my head all week!

*Pancake day was great - I discovered have not lost my superior flipping skills

*Saw a car with the licence plate BFG, had to get a pic.

*Pretty display in a garden centre near my work. Easter is on the way :)

*Bit of crappy sketch work but I'm trying to get back into it. I really missed drawing.

*Discovered at work that I should not be allowed near a spreadsheet (lots of crossing out) - shame that is the main focus of my job...damn.

*Little outfit sneak peek. Wearing the necklace I showed here. 

*This is Charles, my new cartoon. More adventures with him to come up. 

*Discovered a new card game called Flux. This is the Pirate version. Lots of rules, but once you've got the hang of them it's very fun.

*Went out last night and had an awesome time dancing away. Just a pic of us admiring the green light we were stood under.

Also in other news, I just found out that the lovely Sparkly Flamingo has awarded me with the Versatile Blogger award. Thank you so much - I'm very proud! :)

So apparently I'm supposed to tell you 7 facts about myself? Here it goes then:

1. I have lived in over 20 houses in my almost 24 years. I think to say that I moved around a lot is an understatement. 

2. My idea of a good night is hanging out with friends playing board games. Yes, I’m that girl. 

3. I’m a huge (and I mean huge) Harry Potter fan and have been since I was 11. Yes, I’m also that girl. 

4. I’m very close to my parents and Skype them pretty much every day I’m home since they live abroad. 

5. Any excuse to wear fancy dress, I will take it.

6. I don't like airplane food, but rather enjoy opening up all the little boxes and packets.

7. Due to my moving around, I picked up an American accent for a few years. Didn't even live in America and I'm originally from Yorkshire. *Shakes head*. 

Thank you again Sparkly Flamingo!

So, not sure how many people I'm supposed to award but here are the blogs I think deserve the title:

Lets all do colouring in

Project Stilettos

The U in Cute

etc

Sorry for such a long post! 

How was your week?

Top 10: Week 4

What I've been coveting this week.

1. Striped Dress, $57.99 - ModCloth

2. Bird Print Dress, £24.99 - New Look

3. Tie Dye Maxi Dress, £22.99 - New Look

4. Bird Across Body Bag, £20.00 - ASOS

5. iPad Sleeve, $22.90 – Pink Oasis, Etsy

6. Spike collar necklace, £14.00 - Topshop

7. Sleeveless stripe shirt, £30 - Topshop

8. Peep toe jelly shoes, £18.00 - Accessorize

9. Heart stud earrings £3 - River Island

10. Graphic beaded clutch, £45.00 - Accessorize

Let me know what you think of the slight difference in the picture from my usual top 10s - just trying to broaden my horizons in the world of Photoshop. 

A couple of wishful thinking items on there this week. Like I don't even own an iPad (but it matches my blog!), and it's still a bit too cold to be wearing some of those but oh well. I'm not usually a fan of jelly shoes but this pair from accessorise look both comfy and cute! Please release these in some other colours Accessorize - the pale pink is way too girly for me. A turquoise would be amazing. 

The necklace and shirt are for my rock chick side - I've got a clothing split personality don't you know! The pale blue bag is mainly for you girlies out there who are craving the pastels. I don't think I can wear pastels - they don't really suit me so I just stick to bright turquoise and berry colours for spring. 

What have you been drooling over this week?

The D word.

Diet. Before working in an office, I was sheltered by having mainly male friends and fellow geeky girl friends. I had no idea how much dieting affects real women. I didn't realise that women go on about them as much as I had heard about and read in magazines. Kinda naive I know and also I'm not saying all women are like this :P

Source: Google

Cliché pic no?

Working in a small office, it's hard not to overhear conversations and I was surprised to hear conversations mainly about diets. What they've been eating, what they've given up and how many pounds they've lost this week. 

The crazy thing is, none of the people I hear talking about dieting are particularly overweight, a couple are even pretty thin. So why is it all they go on about? Why can't they just eat right, do a bit of exercise and not watch every single thing that goes in their mouths? Easier said than done I suppose. 

Obviously I can see why people diet and fair enough - but there must be something more interesting to talk about. I'm not talking about extreme dieting like anorexia because that's a condition - I'm talking about everyday people who just talk about diets like they do celebrities. It's just a topic of conversation. 

I'm not saying I mind, just that it's unusual to me. Go for it - diet, just don't judge me and what I eat. When going to get some water today, a woman asked if I was trying to be healthy. I said no, I just like water. Food is very important to me. I need to eat quite regular small snacks otherwise my stomach rumbles and that's just embarrassing. I feel like I'm being watched whenever I eat which I don't like. 

I'm not skinny, I'm not fat. I don't watch everything I eat. I eat what I like and that is a mix of healthy with some unhealthy things thrown in for fun (of course). I don't own a set of scales and I'm a lot happier now being a size 14 then when I was younger and a size 10. Could I stand to loose a few pounds? Of course I could, but I'll do it over time at my own pace. I love food way too much to give things up completely.

Don't judge me.

Stop laughing. 

I didn't finish it, but I gave it a damn good try!

By the way, this is a completely biased view of dieting - just my honest thoughts on it. If you have an opinion, please share - I'm really interested to find out more :) 

My week 7

Didn't do too much this week apart from go to work, sleep (I love bed) and catch up with the different series that I watch. FYI - I am now addicted to Once Upon a Time!

My holiday nails. Look how bright and happy they are :) I had to take it off today though, back to reality. I really loved this colour though so am looking forward to summer.

I also got back into doodling this week and brought my sketchbook out of retirement. There was once point when I was about 12 when I wanted to be a cartoonist. In Florida when I went last year, I saw that they did short classes on how to draw the disney characters so I jumped at the chance - and dragged the bf along for the ride! I still have my drawings from then on my phone so I wanted to see if I could improve on them. I'm proud to say that I did these with no guide lines, just the picture of my drawing for reference. 

Stuff takes ages to load on my computer at work so I may have made George a little peacock tail thing while I waited. I don't think Jim looks too impressed!

While I was away, I missed the cats - especially cuddles with Rose. I really can't wait to have one of my own. :)

Also watched some X-files with the bf and Claire (finally on season 5!) and succeeded in getting Claire also addicted to Once Upon a Time. This program is more WTF then Lost. I love it :)

And also a couple of hours ago I may have impulse bought something rather expensive... news on that when I receive it.

How was your week?

Someone take me to Birmingham please?

I want to go to Forever 21. I didn't get much time in the store in Florida so I would really like to spend some time in one of the UK ones. Unfortunately for me the closest one is in Birmingham. If you've been, what did you think?

Source: The Gloss

For now, I'll just settle for browsing the website. Look what I found!

Source: Forever 21 

Bangle: £4.90 

Reminds me of the aztec trend and will go with everything.

Bag: £21.75

Love the leather detail on this bag - looks like a decent size too.

Source: Lolita's Fashion Police

How pretty are their shops? I wish I could have taken photos in the store I was in.

Ring: £3.90

Ideal for a subtle take on the nautical trend.

Jumper: $19.80

I couldn't find this on the UK website, but saw it in the store in Florida. How funny is it? I love Clueless!

Dress: £16.75

If only this dress had straps. So pretty.

Have you ever found anything cool in Forever 21?

Disclaimer: I have not been asked to write this review - I just like Forever 21!

American Memories

A look back of my week in Florida in photos.

I am definitely going to miss this view. Love the colour of the sky. 

My parents learned the hard way to never order a large of anything in the USA. Hard to tell but these cocktails were so massive I burst out laughing when they arrived. You could probably have fit your face in them!

Outlet malls - where ugly shoes go to die. I used to hate shopping as a kid because these were the kind of places my parent's took me. I thought all shopping was like this until I was about 12/13 and discovered the high street. *Shudders*

Got to love American advertising. Straight the point. They also rent trucks too apparently. 

 

This will be one of my proud achievements of 2012. For the first time, I actually finished a stack of pancakes from IHOP. Felt like I was going to die afterwards, but so proud.

One of my holiday outfits. New Look dress and crochet waistcoat. Wore this to the Florida mall and btw that is my cardigan tied around my bag strap, not a massive scarf. Leaves both my arms free to browse the rails :)

So my week of sunshine has come to a close and I am now back in Manchester shivering while covered by my slanket (purple and the best thing ever). Back to work tomorrow. 

How was your week?

So I may have visited a mall or two...

Three in fact including today. Though in my opinion American shops pale in comparison next to the British high street (biased no? :P) I did find some cute bits and pieces.

 

Love Culture - $16.90

Ready for the nautical trend. Such a simple shirt that I will probably wear mostly with jeans but would look great with shorts and skirts too.

Charlotte Russe - $24.99

Got a tribal theme going on here. Love the shape of this dress.

Icing $18.50

This shop kinda reminds me of a cross between Accessorize and Claire's Accessories. Love how unusual this necklace is!

Forever 21 - $2.80 and $1.50

What can I say, I like robots! They will take over the world!

Forever 21 is like a Topshop with reasonable prices. The one in Florida mall is huge! I could have easily spent a day in there. Would have taken pics as I love the look in there but it was pretty much opening time and not many customers in so all employee eyes were on me. I know when to keep my camera hidden. At least after having to run away from Tommy Hilfiger as a fashion student, ha ha. 

Though I do love their clothes, I always end up going home with jewellery from there. I really need to pay a visit to one of their UK stores. Open one in Manchester please? For anyone who has visited both a US and UK Forever 21 - is there much difference in the store environment?

On another note, I finally walked inside a Hollister store. I'm not a massive fan of anything which is just plain with a brand across your chest - kinda makes people look like clones. I really liked the decor of the store though, if only they turned on the lights. Am I getting old? Really wanted to fill the place with vintagey clothes and unusual stuff as it was an amazing space. Please tell me I'm not the only one who can't stand the place, ha ha.

I also bought a t-shirt, blazer and jumper but haven't taken any pics yet so that will be for another time.

Have you bought anything nice recently?

I've arrived in sunny...

Orlando Florida! 

It turned out that I had 6 days holiday to use before the end of this month and my family were going anyway so they got me a plane ticket! My parents own a holiday home out here that they rent out and they come every so often to make sure it's still standing ha ha. I went from stepping out in the snow yesterday (in peep toe flats) to stepping out into the sunshine. 

So I arrived yesterday afternoon after a very enjoyable 9 hour 10 min flight. Both seats next to me were empty (score!), the food was good and I watched 4 films. Bridesmaids (not what I expected, but funny), Friends with benefits (enjoyable), In time (awesome), and Bad Teacher (not as bad as I heard it was). And yes, that is three Justin Timberlake films. Didn't even mean to.

So my first meal in the U.S of A was in true american style, a big ass steak. Now in the picture, it may look small but I can assure you, it was big and can be only described as a beast! Though it took me awhile to devour, I'm proud to say I did it. 

I'm here until Sunday so I'm off to soak up a bit of sun outside. Already went in the pool this morning. It's a hard life!

Top 10: Week 3

Been awhile since I've done one of these but here is my top 10 pretties in the shops right now. 

1. Unicorn jumper, £26, Topshop

2. Necklace, $18, Mykonos

3. Aztec patterned dress, £27.99, New Look

4. Espadrille Wedges, £19.99, New Look

5. Navy zip messenger bag, £25, River Island

6. Tan skinny belt, £5, Dorothy Perkins

7. Bird cage print dress, £24.99, New Look

8. Silver compass locket necklace, $24, BirdznBeez

9. Navy pumps, £23, Dorothy Perkins

10. Burgandy rock print vest, £20, Miss Selfridge

I am lusting after that unicorn jumper. And not a bad price for one from Topshop. Will have to pop in soon and see how the fabric feels. Seems to be a new thing I do, must have lovely soft fabric. 

I adore the print on both New Look dresses, but the birdcage print on 7. really catches my eye. It's hard to tell here but there's cut out detail on the waist which is cute, but I doubt it will suit me. I usually run away from cutout detail. May have to see if I can either pull it off or wear it with a contrasting coloured vest underneath. Maybe even a long sleeved top for the current weather? Watch this space. 

Have you seen or bought anything in the shops recently?

Resolution roundup: January

So how did everyone's January go? I'd like to actually keep track of my resolutions this year so I'm going to keep track of them here. I originally posted them here.

1. Take care of my face.

 I think I've done really well so far. I haven't missed a day in my skincare routine which makes this the longest time I've actually followed one without missing a day. Even after a night out. Though there hasn't really been a difference on my face, I'm going to keep at it. Maybe I'll adapt my routine a bit. Fingers crossed for next month.

2. Take my shops Random Quirks and Toast Rack to new heights.

 Well I've been working hard on both shops and have been getting sales. I took part in a craft and vintage fair and have bought all my new supplies for S/S 12. The biggest development is the Random Quirks website which is being created by my big brother. It is looking great so far and I can't wait to see what it looks like when he's finished. More big plans for February are on the way!

3. Save money. 

I have been successfully putting money aside in both my savings and an extra account for when I eventually move in with the bf. See, 2 accounts for my long term and short term goals - aren't I grown up? 

4. Keep blogging regularly 

I reckon I've been doing pretty well. 16 blog posts in January is not bad at all. And I managed 6 posts on my other blog for my shops. Carrying on!

5. See more, do more. Take photos! Try new and different things. 

Have been trying to do things on my to do list and documenting them with pics. Managed to go to the science museum, see my mum and brother, go on an impromptu night out, cinema, buffets, and generally chill with the bf and friends. I have more plans for February including a surprise for you. On Monday I may be blogging from a random place in the world. But where? This was very last minute as I found out I have 6 days holiday. How to use them? You'll see...

Right, that's a lot of text. Here's a pic of the shoe on my shoe calendar today. 

How costumey! Reminds me of a masquerade ball or something like that. 

So, how have your resolutions been going?