Month by Numbers: gals & good times

7 favourites...

1.) One of the reasons I love my job so much is because of the people. So when there's a chance to drink and be merry with said people, that's time well spent, especially when that day is Valentines Gal-entines Day. A day of love spent with my loves!
 And you can beat anytime that the Bella Babes are out on the town, there's bond to be prosecco, espresso martinis, Instagrams on fleek, laughing in unison and hazy memories the next day.

2.) Continuing on my bid to see more of the country I live in, I headed to Oxford to spend some time with some of my favourite uni babes, and Oxford just happens to be the same distance for all of us to travel. We ate, we drank, we wondered around feeling uber-British and we climbed up a castle in the rain. Time. Well. Spent.

3.) I got my bake on this month y'all. Because when you need to bake a surprise cake for your bff's birthday, only a chocolate cake with Nutella frosting and a peanut butter glaze will do. Oh, and covered in gold stars and glitter of course. 

And would you just LOOK at this bad boy! Not only is it the first time I've ever made a swiss roll (hence some cracks on it...don't worry, just throw some glitter on it, that's what I do for everything else in life anyway), but it's drench in motherflipping emojis. You're welcome. 

4.) If you know me in any capacity, you'll know how much I love Adele. She's gotten me over heartbreaks and gotten me into sassy 'over you' mode. She's hilarious, engaging, has ALL the emotions and let's not even get started on her voice. 

So when she won Best Album at the Grammys and said she couldn't accept her award because she though Beyonce deserved it, and then shared her award with her Cady Heron outta Mean Girls style? Well, my love for her just went up another level. 

5.) After nearly 3 years of living in London, I finally got round to seeing some of the iconic sights. And all it took was for a London newbie to move into town so I could use the excuse to show them around. Lizzie was in the royal house and Big Ben was chiming. 

6.) And on the flipside of all the London tourist sights is all the greenery that the big smoke has to offer. Some Sheffield huns came down to visit and we spent all day just meandering around Hampstead Heath, coo-ed at all the doggos, sang Disney songs, and the sun even came out for the occasion. 

7.) Social media is fucking great. Not a surprising statement to make from this millennial here, I know. But there I was, scrolling away, and then came across someone sharing some pretty badass t-shirts, and as a slogan tee obsessive, I clicked on it straight away. But they were so much more than a sassy slogan tee. Lolli, aka Girl Stole London, is the genius behind these tees, and also the babe that is kicking cancer in the tits. She writes about her battle in a really honest, real and hilarious way in which her personality really shines. As someone who's seen their loved one go through cancer, it can be scary and you can have fear instilled into you constantly and it's refreshing to hear about it from a down-to-earth and logical way (read more here boo).

So if you love a slogan tee as much as I do, get one from here, look great with 25% of proceeds going toward Breast Cancer Haven, do a great thing while doing so.

5 tweets...

1.) Work wifey @anna_tabs: "I'm looking at houses to buy" 

Me: "...I'm looking for lace0up bodysuits to buy" 

2.) Woman in the office: 'you always wear nice clothes, I have wardrobe envy!' Girl, I've been curating that shit all my life 

3.) I'm wearing a mini-skirt & the lipliner is ON...I think I'm over the worst of the illness guys! 

4.) Booking a Jacqueline Wilson event & drinking honey & lemon, while in my boxing kit listening to Skepta...I'm multi-faceted ok 

5.) Finished a double page health & diet feature at work, just in time for cake o'clock 

3 songs...

1.) Katy Perry - Chained to the Rhythm

This pop bish is back y'all, and doing what she does best. Good, ol' pop, but this time with an important message to say along with the catchy tune.

2.) DJ Khaled, Beyonce & Jay-Z - Shining

All the swag you could ask for to accompany you on your morning commute.

3.) Starley - Call On Me

This makes me so ready for summer, WHERE ARE THOU?!

12 very real struggles of Christmas in your 20s

There'll be no prizes given out for guessing that this girl here flipping LOVES Christmas.

From trying to stay up all night and catch a glimpse of Santa, to falling asleep early on the sofa from all the Bailey and Bucks Fizz - as soon as midnight hits on December 1st, I just can't hide that festive spirit anymore. (And let's be honest, I've not done a very good job of disguising it ever since Halloween finished anyway).

But singing along to your Christmas playlist and glugging down the mulled wine ain't all that the festive period is all cracked up to be when you're in your 20s, oh no! 
There's oh so much more to that when you're stuck in between being a big kid and pretending to be an adult...

1.) The balance between twinkly and tacky

I'm all about the Christmas jumpers - sequins, glitter, vintage, and even ones with actual bells on - but as much as 5-year-old me could go all out practically dressed as Santa's little helper, that might be just a BIT too jazzy nearly 20 years later on my work commute. So, a slick of red lippy and my 'kissing guys for mince pies' jumper with do as I head to my meetings.

2.) The gift of giving

How about instead of gifts, we do gifs instead? I'll make you a personalised one with my expert Photoshop skills and everything. Tis' the season of giving, and I always see stuff I'm dying to get my loved ones - before I look at the price tag and remember than I've also got about 15 other people to buy for and I chose a career that pays a pittance... WHY MUST YOU COST SO MUCH YOU FESTIVE FIENDS.

3.) Winter bulking

Party season means the tiniest and tightest of dresses come out to play, but also, so do mince pies. And well, you can't go to a Christmas market without having a Bratwurst or 2 right? No other time of the year would it be acceptable to start your day with a teeny tiny chocolate every single day, but, y'know...it's Christmas! It's cold - you need to add a few extra layers on your body to keep you warm right?

4.) All I want for Christmas is...you?

Once upon a time, you imagined your life to look like the front of a snuggly Christmas card, with a couple cozy in front of an open fire. But in reality, you've been seeing someone for a bit and you don't know whether or not to get them a present - cus if they've got you one and you have nothing in return, well, you just look like a dick don't ya? Or you're just inundated with family members asking you if you've got a partner and why you're the only single one at the dinner table...BECAUSE I'M JUST FINE AND DANDY AUNTY CAROL LEAVE ME AND MY PIGS IN BLANKETS ALONE THANKS.

5.) Voice of an angel

Speaking of Mariah Carey, who HASN'T has tried to sing along with her vocal acrobatics and highest of high notes. Every time, every year, i'm convinced I can sing just as well as her (especially when it's the last song played on the dancefloor), and every year, I'm sorely proved wrong. Also, how many times is too many times to listen to that song in one day? Just asking for a friend...

6.) He's making a list, he's checking it twice

Well, I'm old and independent enough now that if I want something I like, I kinda already just, well, get it for myself? Long gone are the days of folding down pages in the Argos catalogue for my wish-list to Santa, and instead, I've realized I've ran out of that swish moisturizer I really like or I need a new diary - but that's just not as exciting as being surprised with a Barbie dream house is it?

7.) Decoration goals

You envisage your home to look like a winter wonderland of millions of fairy lights and wreaths that even Pinterest would be well jel of. In reality, you're stringing up your own baubles, cutting out snowflakes to hang on your archway and you've got the tiniest christmas tree that you and your flatmate's loose change can afford. It may be small but dammit it's YOURS and it smells glorious.

8.) White Christmas

As a kid, waking up and seeing the outside of your window covered in a beautiful white blanket was one of the best and most exciting feelings in the world. School was off and you were all geared up for a day of sledging. Now though, yeah you still get just as pysched - before you make your commute into work and the train's delayed or you need to de-ice your car. You're inevitably half an hour later and your gloves are soaked through.

9.) So, when are you free? 

Look, there's only 4 weeks in December, so only 3 weekends before the big day, therefore, realistically, only about 6 whole free days where you haven't got that thing called a job or life getting in the way. That ain't a lot of time for having fun with your squad! And with everyone's schedules being different, trying to find a time everyone to get together is just an absolute mission, but there's a reason why they call it a Christmas miracle.

10.) Merry & mulled 

It's been a long day at work, you'll go to a Christmas market or a pub with some friends just for a quick drink you think to yourself - you deserve it! You've been working hard at that 9-5 life yo. But mulled wine has this tricky power of tasting just like hot Ribena and before you know it, you're 6 mugs in and it's about to turn midnight. Just like Cinderella herself, you're trying to get the last train home after you've essentially drank a bottle of wine to keep yourself warm.

11.) Chill or thrills?

You can't wait to get home, get in your comfy clothes, and put on Love Actually with the bae (be that your other half or a big ol' pizza). Buttttt, the girls from yoga are also at the bar down the road - you know the one who do two for one cocktails and always play your favourite songs? Yeah. That one. YOU WANT TO DO BOTH BUT THERE'S ONLY ONE YOU.

12.) Nearest & dearest

And that's the biggest struggle of them all - having to come to terms and accept the fact that you're just a big festive soppy git deep down (you don't fool me you Scrooge)

Hope you all have a magical, love-filled festive period with all those that you love! 

Until next time,

A.x

Week by Numbers: Easter, jumpsuits & Toblerones

Bank holidays are great aren't they? Especially Easter - the whole country seems to come to a calm and chocolate induced standstill.

7 favourites...

1.) I've been watching Friends since I was far too young to watch it, but recently I've found myself starting it from the very beginning again, and I still find it as funny now as I did the first time round. It's just perfect to have on while I'm getting ready, or when I've come home from a long day and just need to unwind a la Chandler.

2.) You'll most likely have heard 'Stay High' by Tove Lo (it was everywhere last year y'all). But the swedish songstress has released this beauty of a single and I am 100% hook, line and sinker, OBSESSED. Her sultry vocals, the build-up to the chorus, and the lyrics about intimacy and sex, without it sounding like ANOTHER Jason Derulo song about booty. Winner all round.

3.) What do you do when you're 22-years-old and have lost your pair of heart-shaped sunglasses, even though you've got other pairs of sensible ones? Pop out to Claires and get a hot pink pair of course. How can one survive without resembling the heart-eyed emoji? 😍

4.) Towards the end of the week, I found myself with a free weekend, and made some last-minute impromtu plans with my friend Rosie in Birmingham. I'm a major planner, so impromtu isn't really my thang, but sometimes I think we get so busy with work and other serious stuff, that when we have time off at the weekend, it ends up flying by and we don't fully take advantage of living our actual lives. Hopping on a train is never as much hassle as I think it is - and in this case, it leads to having pie and ale for lunch, and watching movies old-school style with cocktails for dinner. Oh, and we booked loads of exciting plans for the future including a trip to Milan. So, y'know, not a bad weekend.

5.) I've been subscribed to 'Hey Claire' on YouTube for about a year now, but it wasn't until quite recently that I've completely fallen in love and been in awe of her videos. Her editing is insanely good and creative - only she could make a video about her sunglasses collection so entertaining and stand-out so much from all the other generic hauls on YouTube. You need to subscribe to this girl, ASAP.

6.) ORANGE you glad I baked this orange cheesecake? (I'll let myself out..) It's a Hummingbird Bakery recipe, and involved a top layer of orange jelly... I was skeptical but hey, it works. And of course, I cut out a citrus print template and sprayed gold shimmer onto it. Glitter queen and everything you know?

7.) I love Caitlin Moran - I look up to her massively, think she's outrageously hilarious and she makes me think about shit. But for some reason, I hadn't gotten round to watching her series 'Raised by Wolves' until now. And holy crap is it refreshingly real and makes me crease with laughter. Completely different to anything on at the moment, and has so many zinging one-liners that I can't stop quoting.

3 thoughts...

"Not AGAIN - C'MON! That's no way to treat a gal!"

"I'll just play this on repeat. Ju-just ONE more time. Promise..."

"SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SUNSHINEEE"

1 outfit...

jumpsuit:Topshop, necklace:Topshop, shoes:ASOS, messy room:my own fault, please excuse

I went out for with my friends for an early-birthday dinner, and a loose jumpsuit not only makes me seem like I put in loads of effort getting ready and makes me feel more sophisticated than I actually am, but also leaves lots of room for pudding (also kinda makes me feel a bit 80s...) I had to involve lots of double-sided fashion tape in this though to stay away from any Janet Jackson Superbowl sitch. But I'm sure some tropical slingbacks and a long-line necklace down the plunge could distract from any slip-ups,

Stay happy!
Until next time,
A.x

Week by Numbers: Christmas, rolling pins & Ariel

The excitement of Christmas is well & truly settling to make way for the New Year. So while you pick at the last bits of your Christmas dinner that's leftover (seriously, we've still got turkey to tackle in the Lo household), why don't you sit back, relax - go on, make that cuppa, I'll wait - and scroll on through my week of all things festive.

7 favourites...

1.) Another week, another Christmas jumper: 'Kissing guys for mince pies'. I like to have a Christmas jumper for every occasion - I've got novelty ones that friends LOL at, and fairisle one I whip out for more stylish affairs - and this, is perfect for when I'm feeling a bit cheeky (which is 90% of the time).

2.) As you've gathered by now, I fucking love Christmas. Everything from the food to the fun and games. But when it comes down to it, the thing that makes me the happiest about the festive period, is seeing my family and the ones I love.

As the little diddy 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' says: 'Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.

And, of course, my dad ended Christmas by falling asleep in front of the telly. LAD.

3.) It may be because it's the season of giving. Or it may be because it's the season for gluttony, but I've been baking like Mary Berry on speed. Gingerbread for get-togethers, cranberry and white chocolate cupcakes for gifts, and mince pies for Santa, naturally.

4.) I grew up with 2 siblings of lego-builders, so when it comes to gifts, there's a high possibility that there's one that requires building. This year, the stakes were raised, and we moved onto nanoblocks, which may be the most fiddly things in the world. But the end result is so damn cute.

5.) Snow! I know snow is a pain after a while, and I try to avoid driving in it at all costs. But it still feels as magical and beautiful to me now as it did when I was little when I see that first snowfall. This is the first time my 2-year-old nephew has ever encountered snow too, and his reaction to seeing it falling, and touching it for the first time, was truly adorable as he watched on with amazement. I think my heart might have burst.

6.) The I.T Crowd. I'm VERY late to the party, but I put it on on Netflix on a whim when I was unpacking when I got home last week. A week later, I've watched it all from beginning and end, and now have a unhealthy appreciation of Richard Ayoade's humour and Chris O'Dowd's accent.

7.) I am very lucky to not only be able to spend my holidays surrounded with love, family and food, but also to receive gifts, for which I'm always grateful for. This year, not only did I get some beautiful, decent headphones to stop myself being crappy, cheap ones that constantly break, a book of one of my favourite people who makes me cackle like a witch, but I also got an Ariel doll. Yes, I know i'm 22, but you should've seen my face when I ripped open the paper and realised what lied beneath the paper. It was a flashback to me as an excited 6-year-old.

Little Mermaid for life yo!

3 thoughts...

"OMG THAT'S A HAND & A GREEN DRESS I SEE - IT'S FLIPPING ARIEL ISN'T IT"

"I never want to eat again..."

"Did someone say cheese board?"

1 outfit...

dress:Louche

I had festive fawns prancing around my dress for Christmas day, complete with red lips and bow. This was until I had to changed into my onesie to optimise my potential to eat more food. Priorities right?

What did you do to spend your holidays this year?

Stay happy!

Until next time...

A.x

Flippin' Heck!

Yesterday was Pancake Day. One of the best days on the calender!

I went round to my friend, Cat's house, and she was the best hostess! 

Since moving into halls for my postgrad course, it was so nice to be in a proper home that felt lived in and loved. It just felt completely calm and homely and after a fragile morning due to a few too many cocktails the night before, it was just what the doctor ordered!

She made tea, she had bacon sizzling away and an assortment of pancake companions laid out ready.

Not only that, but we didn't just cook using your standard frying pan, no siree. She had a mini pancake stove ready and it was the cutest and most fun thing!

I had every combination possible. Nutella. Bacon and syrup. And my favourite which is a classic, lemon and sugar. I think my blood stream is pure pancake batter now! 

With the softest cat I've ever met to cuddle, a pot of tea to keep pouring, and relaxing times with fantastic friends, it was just pure bliss.

What did you do for pancake day? What your favourite topping?

Hoe you're all well,

Speak soon.

A.x