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?!

Month by Numbers: old friends, old exes, old patriarchal shit

7 favourites...

1.) I rung in the 2017 with some of my oldest friends. 2016 was a bit of a tough one, but it's heart-warming and comforting to know that people can grow up and further away, but that doesn't necessarily mean you grow apart. 

2.) To beat the January blues, I got the opportunity to go see Cirque Du Soleil's Amaluna show and I was completely blown away by the bedazzling and jaw-dropping talent. It also made me want to finally sign up for those ariel acrobat classes, but that's another story. I also went to see one of my friend's band. They all work 9-5 jobs but they're also following their passion. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger names are noticing them. Morale of the story to both of these shows kids? Follow your heart and follow your dreams y'all.

3.) Everyone has highs and lows in their work life, but undoubtedly the no.1 high is the work family I've gained. Not only do they turn dreading my commute, into looking forward to chatting all kinds of ridiculous rubbish with them in the office, but I've gained a whole bunch of new friends who inspire me, support me and encourage me (whether that be in work or to drink)

4.) An old flame of mine got in touch with me out of the blue. He called time out on our relationship, and after 6 months of silence and moving on, he decided to call once again. This time on my phone. I don't know what his intentions were or the words he had to say, and I gave up sticking around to find out when we parted ways, so I guess I'll never know what he wanted to say.

5.) You know what? We should all take random days off work more often. I did for a friend's birthday and we just wandered around London without feeling like we were running late for work. We drank hot chocolate that was 90% toasted marshmallow, and we went to the You Say You Want A Revolution? exhibition at the V&A. Yes it was about the music and fashion of the the 60s, but what I didn't expect was for it to go into the social issues and movements of that time too, which seem more relevant in this current moment in time in society, than ever.  

6.) The Women's March left me feeling proud, united and hopeful in humanity and the scary uncertainty of the future. There were people of all genders, ethnicities, ages and walks of life, caring about, well...people. And that's all it is people!

7.)To me, Chinese New Year every year means family time, tons of food and the tradition of receiving money in red packets (which I don't think I'll ever get bored of)
But, every year, I want to learn more about my heritage, and do so over a bottle of red wine with my dad. Basically, it's like a 2nd Christmas for me and I'm more than OK with that.

5 tweets...

1.) "I've started off the new year w/fizz, a puppy, chanting 'Stoke' @robbiewilliams on the tv & my tit tape sweating off #Hello2017"
2.) "I'm having pigs in blankets withdrawal symptoms "
3.) "Newbie at boxing yday came up to me at the end saying 'thanks for being a cheerleader when I was struggling!' Girls are THE BEST "
4.) "My thai green curry has gone pink cus I put red cabbage on it. Pretty on-brand tbh "
5.) "Friends say I'm more youth-like than usual this week. Strange as I've said sensible things: 'My side hustle is so extra, it's gonna be lit'"

3 songs....
1.) Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

He's back, and with a funky and sultry sound. And I'm a big fan of this and it's flirty lyrics.

2.) Childish Gambino - Redbone

If this doesn't make you want to snog the person you fancy all over, then I don't think you're listening to it right.

3.) Snakehips and MØ - Don't Leave

This sounds gorgeous and the lyrics are oddly heartbreaking. All the feels, all at the same time.

Met Gala 2015

It's that time of the year again when the A-list's finest put on their glad-rags and make it to the fashion event with a capital 'F'.

We're talking men looking dapper in suits, and ladies looking glam in full length gowns, with a some pretty epic headgear and bold sheer material thrown in there for good measure.

I know you've probably seen enough photos of the Met Ball to last you a lifetime (believe me, I spent 2 days at work writing about it), but in case you missed it, here's the highs and the oh-so-lows...

 

First of all, Sarah Jessica Parker - just...WOW. I know the theme was China: Through the looking glass, and you're all Sex and the City. But, I think looking like a Chinese emperor from centuries past is a bit overboard, but, that's just me.

 

Oh Anne Hathaway. The new Star Wars film is very exiting for everyone, but maybe a film marathon would've been enough? That being said though, at least you're prepared for any rain that may come your way and if anyone's going to look good in a metallic gold hood, it's gonna be you babes.
And it was May the 4th, so pretty apt for Star Wars day and all. 

We've all seen the memes of Rihanna as an omlette - my personal fave is her in frying pan while SJP provides the heat.

But have you actually seen how beautiful she actually looks behind the eggy internet sensation?!

 

Beautiful Bajan, as per.

While Rihanna seemed to be wearing all the material in the world, a lot of the stars seemed to be wearing hardly any at all. 

J.Lo, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé: I'm looking at you. (Also, is it just me who's also getting a Britney Spears - Toxic kinda vibe from all these see-through sparkles?)

THAT pose from Bey though. Ouff. And her high ponytail is basically how I pile my hair on top of my head at the end of the day, but I don't look anywhere near a fierce. Dammit.

 

With slightly bit material, and a whole load more ink on her body, was Cara Delevigne. Can someone come paint flowers on me everyday too please?

 

Sheer was clearly a theme, and Diane Kruger NAILED it with sheer, lace trousers, complete with a tassel of gathered material. Who knew eh?

Chloe Moretz and Zendaya were both pretty princesses, with Chloe going for more an American beauty and sleek look, and Zendaya looking like a royal warrior of the sun. But what I love most? They both looked fierce while still dressing for someone their age. Love, love, love.

And although some people might have taken the theme too literally - ehem, SJP - others absolutely got it beautifully spot on.

Helen Mirren, Gigi Hadid and Amal Clooney all went in oriental red - from long sleeves and lacy to deep plunge and high slits. And also, props to Josh from Grazia for his comparison to Amal as the flamenco dancing girl emoji. YES.

Adding some fierce gold, cut out sections and major flower power was Karen Elson, Jennifer Lawrence and Poppy Delevigne.

While Emily Blunt, Kate Hudson and Sienna Miller all has a different and fierce take on the theme. Traditional cheongsam vibes complete with a cape? Tick. All gold trailing on the floor? Check. Red trouser suit with open blazer and a black obi belt with tassels? HELL YES.

The Met Ball, you've been a pleasure to look at and dissect, as always, and 2015 was definitely a year to remember.

Stay happy!

Until next time...

A.x

18 reasons why Britney is the queen

I know you've got your Yonces and Gagas, and hey, I love those ladies as much the next person - SLAY - but Miss.Britney Jean Spears is the pop princess of my sparkly heart. And here's why (as if you even need telling).

1.) Her midriff was the epitome of the 90s 

Just look at it - it's like a statue to be admired! And tbh, it ain't looking too shabby still to this day. Words from the lady herself: "If you want a hot body, you better work bitch."

2.) I pretended to be her in concert in my living room

Oh yeah. 8-year-old me totally pretended to have a Britney headset on, while strutting up and down that burgundy carpet, pointing out to the crowd with all my might.

3.) THOSE DANCEMOVES

She's a smooth slicker. The amount of time I spent copying the routines from her music video is silly. And also the amount of times I re-enact the routine from 'Crazy' if it comes on when I'm on a night out, is equally as ridiculous.

Girl can even bust out choreography 

 while lying down! Who needs to stand up anyway?

4.) Toxic is a flipping great pop song

Seatbelts on, and ready for take-off through a lesson in phenomenal pop with air hostess Brit.

5.) The metallic leather green top in 'Crazy'

Not gonna lie, still want this now. Not only is 'Crazy' my fave song from Ms.Spears, but it also features one of my fave outfits. Would defo wear this with some high-waisted black skinnies or a maxi skirt. YASS.

6.) And this hot pink and lace green combo in Overprotected

Brave move gurl, brave move. Not many people can pull off a distressed, shredded, button-up hot pink mini skirt, paired with a sheer, lace top with slitted sleeves, layered over a coral bra (that was a mouthful!), but Britney nails it with a shimmy along the way.

7.) She changed school uniforms for the rest of time.

Knee high sock and pigtail plaits were never the same again ever since the words 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' were uttered.

8.) I'd totally still wear this outfit to go on a carousel

In fact, I'd very much like most of Britney's outfits in my wardrobe please kthnxbye. Also, why am I not on carousels for more of my life?! That's surely a crime.

9.) Lucky was more close to home and poetic then she ever even knew

"If there's nothing missing in her life, then why do these tears come at night?"

10.) Slave 4 u era was a hazy, steamy dream of gemstones, smoky eyes and reptiles

BRB while I find a strip of fuschia to bandage around my body. I think I'll skip on the python though...

11.) Oh, and the hair!

How I longed for tousled beach waves, however, my Carmen Angel Curlz curling wand had other ideas. Mainly involving burnt fingers and knotty hair.

12.) She rocks sportswear 

While the rest of us mere mortals have our hair scraped up and slicked back by sweat, B-Swizzle looks like an absolute baller (see what I did there?)

13.) She pulls off a red PVC catsuit like no other

No further questions your honour.

14.) She's the master of sheer nude get-ups

When it comes to strategically placed sparkly gems, she's your girl. Sassy & nekkid (yes, naked) ain't an easy combo to pull off y'know?

15.) The Circus time period was full of magic and whimsy

So underrated, I mean srsly, it's Ms.Spears as a ringmaster in an arena of top hats and sprkly tricks - Cirque de WHO? 

16.) She's sassy as heck

Bitchez to one side pls.

17.) SHE RISED FROM THE ASHES LIKE A GLORIOUS PHEONIX

Yeah yeah, we all remember the head shaving, and let's not talk about the umbrella incident. But hey, gurl had some tough times and was over-worked y'all. We all have our bad stints in life, and she got back up, worked her lil' tush off like only Britney knows how, and now, just look at her soar!

18.) She's the queen y'all!

Nuff' said.

LONG REIGN BRITNEY.

Who's the pop princess of your life?

Stay happy!

Until next time,

A.x