Month by Numbers: fireworks & festivities

7 favourites...

1.) Never mind winter is coming Jon Snow, winter is well and truly here. And yes that means i'm shivering to deathwhile waiting for my train (but then immediately boiling when i get on it), but it also means steaming hot drinks, hibernating under blanket and all the autumnal boots, hats and dark lipsticks that you could wish for.

2.) One of my favourite nights of the year is Bonfire Night. It's just an everning to feel all snuggled up and always feels like  the start of the festive season with the cold air, massive scarves and mulled wine. And this year, I made my way up north to Manchester and was huddled around the bonfire with some of my favourite girls, drinking mulled wine and 'ooh-ing' and 'ahh-ing' at al lthe pretty bonfires. We spent the whole weekend basically doing nothing nad it was bliss. We chatted the world to rights on everythng from ironing and feminism, to fluffy jumpers and our hopes and dreams, all while sipping on Baileys hot chocolate covered in a mountain of marshmallows. YUM.

3.) Someone came into my life as if it was a British romcom from the 90s starring Hugh Grant. We met on the tube (I KNOW) and things were ticking along. I knew he wasn't for life, but he was nice enough and our time spent together was fun enough for, well, now. I'm an eternal optimist and forever want to see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt. But sadly, this came person proved me and my glass-half-full nature wrong and came out of it as soon as they came in. I can forgive busy schedules, I can forgive you not a fan of my emojis, but i can't forgive rude-ness. Nop. Boy, BYE.

Thanks @bellaitaliarestaurants for teaching me how to make my favourite food: fresh blooming pasta! Also thanks for feeding me ALL the carbs - I'm one happy & full lil piggy 🍝🐽🇭🇺 #cooking #foodstagram #instafood #italian #foodporn #food #pasta #instavid #video #collage #london #vsco #vscocam

A video posted by Amy Lo 🐚 (@amylo92) on Nov 10, 2016 at 5:22am PST

4.) There are few things in life that I love more than food and carbs in particular. So when Bella Italia asked me if I wanted to taste their new menu and also learn to cook some of the dishes and how to make fresh pasta myself, I was there quicker than Wilde E.Coyote trying to catch Road Runner. I rolled out dough, tossed some pasta and ate so much delicious Italian food, puddings and wine that I almost needed to be rolled home.

5.) What better way to get into the festive spirit than ice skating outside the tower of London! but of course, because it's England, it's never long until it rains and ruins all the fun. But fear not, when the ice rink turns into a slippery hazard, there's an ice bar and a tour of the Tower to indulge in. Learning abotu the Tower of London made me feel like I was on a school and also like I know nothing about the city I live in as I soaked up and was equally creeped out and fascinated by all the history. 

6.) I went to a few screenings this month which including the magical Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the fabulous E! series on Mariah Carey. But a big tick in my book for very different reasons, but the fact that at the Mariah screening there were diva-appropriate pink cocktails and a gold glittery photobooth that had a wind machine kinda was just like being in a diva playground.

One of the most talented, humble & fun people I've seen live. It was a pleasure dancing along to you @jackgarratt 💃🏻🎉🎸 #london #livemusic #live #gig #confetti #lights #music #collage #video #instavid #videocollage #vsco #vscocam

A video posted by Amy Lo 🐚 (@amylo92) on Nov 24, 2016 at 12:24am PST

7.) Jack Garratt is some kind of musical genius. Him, drums, a sound baord and some back up singers and it was was of the most engaging gigs I've been to. And the best thing is despite absolutely killing it on the scene, he's still got so much genuine excitment, creativity and adorable disbelief that he gets to do what he gets to do as living, and I think we can all afford to be a bit more Jack Garratt in our jobs.

5 tweets...
1.) In an attempt to drown my sorrows, I went to the vending machine & it dished out 2 of my selected treat. World's not COMPLETELY broken then
2.) Reading stories w/my nephew this moring & he stopped to say 'Amy, I'm having fun with you!' HEART. MELTED.

3.) When you see a photo of young Trump & have the awful realisation that your ex looks like him (key word here being EX )

4.) I'm singing Colours of the Wind at the top of my lungs while dancing around my room in my underwear....what about you?

5.) "The pièce de résistance was the hash brown" - an actual thing I said. (And I meant it. It was a pork belly & hash brown quesillda guys!)

3 songs....
1.)  Sexual - Neiked ft.Dyo

Not to get TMI but this song is as it suggests, a lil bit sexual. ALSO, how does she hit those high notes? Believe me, I've tried in the shower, and I can tell you it does NOT sound the same.

2.) Pour some sugar on me - Def Leppard


For some reason I was a bit obsessed with this song when I was about 15 and although I'm not sure why, my god do I applaud teenage me. It makes me want to do knee slides on a bar countertop in a Coyote Ugly style, and whips my hair into a backcombed mess.

3.) After the afterparty - Charli XCX

This is kinda a bit Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl, as in you can imagine it being played at some prom and everyone chanting along with it. And I enjoy that bubblegum pop goodness immensely.

Until next time,

A.x

Month by Numbers: Ibiza heat

7 favourites...

1.) At the very beginning of this month, I headed to Ibiza and it was the perfect remedy that came at the most perfect time. After what were some of the worst months of my life, I got to get away to a sunny paradise with some of my favourite people. We danced, we did nothing on the beach and our meals consisted mostly of sangria and gelato. 

This is uber-melty, but there was one point on the holiday where we were on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (6th in fact FYI) and I went for a swim on my own in the bluest, most crystal clear water I've seen in my life. And there was not a worry or thought in my mind and before I know it, I'd swam so far out, I was just on my own and I just felt truly content for the first time in ages. After all that's happened this year, I was just floating there thinking 'You know what? It's really not all that shit. Life's OK. I'm OK.'


2.) After coming back from Ibiza tanned and filled with tequila, I spent a whole weekend with my bestie and a bunch of boys from Sheffield who I have a blast with every time I see them. Which would be once. I've met them once before. One weekend last year, I spent a weekend with my BBF, and her boyfriend had some uni friends stay. We all ended up hanging out all weekend and becoming friends - isn't that just the sweetest story you ever did hear? And this time, we drank a lot, and played a lot of games (because, you know, we're really cool like that)


3.) Sadly, all those drinks and games means a lack of sleep and an increased chance of feeling pretty rubbish. Probably not the best combo before you do a 5K charity run for Cancer Research. BUT, even after 5 hours sleep and being low-key hanging, I laced up my trainers, travelled from North to South London and threw myself (literally) into the mud that is the Pretty Muddy 5K. I'm not even joking, there was mud EVERYWHERE. In places where mud should never, ever be. But we did it! We raised over £350 for an amazing cause, which was made even more amazing after receiving the news that my no.1 gal Mama Lo had been given the all clear from the Big C after showing it who's boss, just like we all knew she would. 

4.) Ah the Bake-Off. It'll come as no surprise that I'm a massive Bake-Off fan. In fact, last year, me and my flatmate baked something each week to go the theme of said week. I love how wholesome it is. I love the cheeky innuendos. I love the characters on it. I love Mary Berry. I love how a whole nation is gripped by a show about cakes and soggy bottoms. And then, it all came tumbling down all so suddenly! First, it was moving to Channel 4. Then the hilarious Mel & Sue were leaving. And the final blow, the Queen herself Mary Berry bowed out. This current series of the Bake-Off is the last one as we know it, and I am not emotionally prepared for that guys.


5.) Hi, my name's Amy and I've become obsessed with pin badges. They're sassy and cute and creative and teeny tiny and up my accessorises game in a big way. But sadly, they're also starting to drain my bank account in a big way too.

6.) And speaking of little things, I've been doing more little gestures. I know what a heartwarming surprise it is when you get or hear something you really didn't expect to. So I've been writing postcards left, right and centre for my friends. To cheer them up, to encourage them, to thank them, and just to say hello. And I'm hoping they've loved the sentiment as much as I've loved sending them. 


7.) A mixture of holiday blues and that back-to-school slump of September meant that I felt like I was in need of about 50 hours sleep, 50 cups of tea and cuddles with 50 puppies. Fortunately, one of my fave babes told me to come up North where she could provide me with lie-ins, all the teas I could ever ask for and 1 adorable puppy. She even threw in a 10-course fancy and fabulous Italian dinner and some dancing as well. She knows the way to my heart.

5 tweets...
1.) Catching up on #GBBO on the train. Man asleep next to me woke up as I let out an audible gasp at someone forgetting to turn on their oven
2.) Playing Heads Up at the pub & Vera Wang came up. Me: designer makes lovely wedding dresses!  Lads: surname sounds like a DICK 
3.) Something in my lad of washing has made all my clothes glittery...whilst I don't love it, I don't hate it either
4.) Let's just get this out of the way. Thing I don't like that everything else loves: avocado, Idris Elba, chocolate orange & salted caramel..
5.) Can never remember how to do an accented 'e' on my keyboard. Always end up googling Beyoncé and copy & paste. PROFESSIONAL JOURNO Y'ALL 

3 songs...

1.) Tove Lo - Cool Girl

This makes me feel like a genuine cool girl, no matter how much I may not be. If you see you strutting down the street and swooshing my hair, 90% certain this is what's playing on my headphones.

2.) Little Mix - Move

I feel in love with this song with my BBF 2 years ago at uni, and even now, it still makes me dance like I wish I was in a girl band. Sass-central y'all

3.) Kanye West - Fast

If the other 2 songs make me feel like feisty and cool independent women, this song makes me feel tough and ready to box about 10 rounds in the ring. Neither of which I am, but the bass lines and auto-tuned singing in this makes for a good disguise for it

Until next time...

A.x

Alright there August?

August has been busy with a capital 'B', but that's not a problem when you've got bright and breezy pyjamas to chill out and recharge your batteries in. Whether they be laced with pom-poms all along the edge or printed with punchy pineapples, you're no doubt in for a lazy Sunday. 

And why so busy you ask? (you probably didn't ask that really) Well, let me tell you anyway boys and girls.
Technically at the very back end of July, but overlapping into August, one of my dearest, closest and loveliest people I know, got married.

I love a wedding. Any excuse to drink, be happy and dress up am I right? So i put on my brightest and boldest maxi dress and snazziest, metallic dancing shoes on for the big day ahead. But c'mon, we all know I can't do sensible and sophiscated all the way, hence the chill pill bag. Very on-brand.

But when I'm not crying tears of happiness over my friends saying 'I do', you won't be that suprised to know that you'll often find me in a pair of dungarees, or something with straps that I'm buckled up in.

Suede, green, chiffon, pink - it's got it all! 

See. Dungarees aren't just for 5-year-olds. Neither is Barbie - don't believe me?

For once in the UK, the summer has actually felt like, well, summer! But with the summer heat PLUS the tube, all clothes have to be floaty please.

That includes strapless pink dresses that make you feel like a pretty pig...
 
...pleated gold collutes that even MC Hammer would be jealous of, and silky flared pants that are so jazzy that you feel a bit like Princess Jazz-mine.

And if you happen to head to the beach, why not dress like a piece of Brighton rock to fit in?

or some simples stripes will do. And when I say 'simple' I mean the mullet version of the skirt word, paired with an equally as simplistic sheer, sparkly shirt with a sassy slogan. 

Even though, hot damn, it's summer in the city (5 points if you get that reference), I still like to be one with nature with cactus on a pair of prickly pants. Oh, and lace and florals? A match-made in heaven surely.

Or step into the jungle, with some leopard print - whether that be in the normal or snow variety. And you know there's fun and games don't you know? Games that belong on a Sega Megadrive, worthy of a Sega Megababe. 

At times, life gets so dreamy that you want to wear an equally as dreamy marbled shirt.

Not everything's been rosy though, but when times are tough, you put your gold crown and put your game face on like a Queen because it'll all be fine in the end. Because it always is.

Month by Numbers: broken & lifted

7 faves...

1.) One of the most important people in my life had received from pretty life-changing news, and had to have some equally as life-changing surgery. What we thought was a success and left us feeling relieved, quickly and suddenly changed and turned into heartbreak, uncertainty and a lot of waiting around. Thankfully, the NHS are amazing, as if my tiny but tough mum. I've never been so emotionally and physically drained and tired, and also so proud and happy how close and loving my family are. 

2.) Well, when it rains sometimes it really likes to fucking pour it down doesn't it? Within the same month with the absolute shit-show that happened with my mum, I had a second shit-show of a break up. Which happened pretty suddenly, pretty much out of my control and ironically, after a bit of a turning point of us as a couple. No, we weren't together for that long. No, I'm not heartbroken, just left with a bit of a heavy heart. But I don't think he or anyone but I will ever really know how much it actually took my to let my guard down and commit my feelings to someone. But I am - as I knew I will be - fine! Because, you always am in the end aren't you?

3.) And you know part of the reason I know I'll always be right as rain eventually? Because I have amazing and caring people in my life that I'm lucky enough to call my friends. Friends who know you're having a pretty fucking rubbish time that's dampened even your usual Disney-esque optimistic persona. And they send you surprise presents in the post and meet up with you with roses to keep your life rosy and remind you to be brave, even if sometimes you don't feel it.

4.) Apart from the major ups and downs, there's still the constant love and support of my amazing family and friends, who turned what could have been an August spent moping around, into a month filled with new memories that'll make me smile.

5.) I love books. No biggie, I know. But if you know how much I resented reading, you'll get what a big deal it is for me that I've tapped into my love of reading. I tend to find myself reading a lot of non-fiction from American comedians and my absolute goddess, Caitlin Moran. But I completely fell in love with the characters and story of The Rosie Project. I gasped, I rooted for them, I was invested and I whizzed through that book and was sad when I realised I'd reached the end. But never fear! The sequel, The Rosie Effect, is on it's way in the post already, and I can't wait to be obsessed once more.

6.) As much as I love London, growing up in suburbia and being from that there up North, I really bloody miss some greenery. And yeah i know, there's parks and fields upon fields in The Big Smoke as well, but it usually involves a significant amount of travel. Enter, what is essential a big-ass greenhouse filled with enough plants until your heart's content. Both in central London, if you're aching for some leaves and nature, head to The Barbican Conservatory or The Sky Garden. You can thank me later.

7.) I'm a BIG Friends fan (who isn't eh?) so, wondering around Monica's apartment discussing Nestle tollhouse recipes, singing Smelly Cat at Central Perk and flipping up the barca-loungers in Joey and Chandler's was enough to make my little fangirl heart flutter. And if that wasn't enough, with cocktails named 'Pivot', well, what more could you ask for eh? 

5 tweets...

1.) It's been the longest weekend & emotionally draining. But the Lo family assemble, get through it & ofc eat lots ❤️

2.) Recovering from laughing in stitches from a meeting where we & my editor ended up doing renditions of X Factor songs...I love my job 🎤

3.) Can retailers stop rolling out AW16 pieces already please? I'm not ready for knitwear & my legs to be prisoned by tights again, NOT YET! 🙅🏻🍂

4.) Can more commuters dance to their music? It'd make my low-key bodyrolls & subtle shoulder shimmies more acceptable💃🏻

5.) My body this morning: "Here! Have some hiccups along with your hangover so you think you could potentially vom every 5 seconds!" 😷 

3 songs...

1.) Becky Hill - False Alarm

This makes me fell all a bit emosh - especially when I'm talking to the station early in the moring - and i can't quite put my finger onto why that is. It makes me feel like anything could be round th corner and anything's possible if you just give it a chance. Ironic really, given that I got into this song during mentioned break-up, when the lyrics are all about finding someone when you didn't expect to...

2.) Tom Odell - Concrete

This song makes me feels things that I didn't know were possible by a song. It makes me feel nostalgic, a yearning, sadness, hope and almost even, dare I say it, aroused?! all at once. Oh and that build up in intensity towards the end? I don't know how you do it Mr. Odell, but hates off to you sir. 

3.) Imani Williams- Don't Need No Money 

Ok, enough of all the lovey dovey songs, with an upcoming holiday with the girls, with lots of dancing and drinks planned, a party tune and needed and this fitted the criteria perfectly. Cue the killer moves. 

Month by Numbers: pools and polls

7 faves...

1.) June is supposed to be filled with British BBQs, Pimms o'clock and other summer-filled fun activities. Unfortunately, as is standard with English weather, ol' Blighty had other plans. So I skipped over to Portugal for some sunshine and drowned my weather-based sorrows in lots and lots of bloomin' good food.

2.) And my god, was I glad I booked that little trip to Portugal. My usual getaway of a city break are all well and good, but usually jam-packed with plans, miles upon miles of walking and being a top-explorer of culture. As much as I love and live for that, it was nice to go to somewhere with a small town, and spend the rest of the holiday lying on a deserted beach, sipping cocktails by the pool, catching up over drinks and just generally have a pretty laid back time. Faro - thanks for the R&R that I didn't even know I was in such much need for (less thanks for the awkward tan lines...)

3.) My parents have recently got smart phones, and so the Lo family Whatsapp group was born, because, you know, I just don't have quite enough group chats on my Whatsapp... It's so nice to have somewhere we can all check-in and share moments of our days, although, I don't think my mum has quite gotten the hang of emojis just yet! 

4.) Food glorious food! This month saw me ticking a box of brunch with some pretty brilliant views at Duck and Waffle (where I tried Ox cheek for the first and fell in love with it!), and discovered Japanese Yaitori at a Wes Anderson swoon-worthy pastel palace. 

5.) WE'VE GOT A NEW HOUSE. After months, and I mean, MONTHS of searching, viewings, offeres rejected, and not seeing eye-to-eye on compromises, we've got a new house to move into and my gosh...is it homely and gorgeous. I already anticipate how stressful and hectic the actual moving is going to be, but I can't wait to be settled and get making this new house into our home.

6.) UK voted to leave the EU and I've never been one to be that invested in politics, but my god, did it break my heart. I've always encouraged other to take part in poltics and use their vote - epescially women. So many of us before us fought and died for our right to vote, and it angers and saddens me when it doesn't get used. But sadly, this year, in a very important vote, it did get used and after a very close call, and it wasn't what I or the majority of our peers had hoped or expected. And while that might the case, and it's an uncertain and scary time after a sombre shock, it's important we stay a united kingdom and we move forward with this life-altering change.

7.) And in the wake of what was a rather odd week of social and politic events, I got to go to the most fabulous event there was - the Absolutely Fabulous film premiere. It was glitz, it was glamour and it was a dream for me as I got to meet and speak to 2 of my idols and favourite fabulous females ever: Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders. Oh, and of course, they were as fabulous as you'd expect. A moment when I was trying to remain professionally calm on the outside, as I fan-girled mentally on the inside.

5 tweets...
1.) The guy I'm dating thinks I'm 2 stone lighter than I actually am (ha it's all an illusion!) WHILE referencing Mario Kart. I KNOW.
2.) Accidentally came to work as Barbie(Names in the office have included Sandy from Grease & Royal Princess) #ootd
3.) My office just suggested a 'Dress like Amy Lo day' - the words Space Jam, braids & tutu have been muttered. Mad, but accurate 
4.) 2 years in London & the dream's happened. A beaut man just asked for my number ON THE TUBE. Like, this doesn't happen in actual real life!? 
5.) Got soaked in the rain on the way to vote. Came home, took off wet clothes. Now in my underwear making cheesy crumpets #livingthehighlife

0 retweets1 like

3 songs...
Dua Lipa - Hotter Than Hell 

If a summer flind were to be embodied in a song in 2016, this baby would be it. Think sweaty kisses, balmly sleepovers and talking about everything and nothing over sunsets.

MK and Becky Hill - Piece Of Me

 This has been my go-to whenver I need to get pysched up. Whether that's for a night out, for boxing or just to tackle a very full train garage. That vocal mix at the beginning gets me pumped every time.

Clean Bandit and Louisa Johnson - Tears

I'm not a big X Factor fan, but when last year's winner teamed up with classical-dance music dream team Clean Bandit, I thought it was such a clever move and partnership. And Louisa's vocals just boom and shine over this fiesty number. If you're going through a break-up or have had a not-so-nice romantic experience of late, listen to this and I dare you not to stut out of the house feeling like a strong, sassy and confident person. Think 'I Will Survive' for millenials.

Oh hey May!

I'm so late on this, July is creeping up and May seems like a lifetime ago - I guess that's when you know life's been good to you eh? Oh that you're just getting old and time's going by quick like a motherfucker. Yep. It's probably that.

But the thing is, when you're living that adult life, and you become ill. You can't really just stay in bed and have a Parks and Rec marathon (as much as you'd like to). Instead, you have your eyeliner on point, hop yourself up on medicinal drugs, and put your pink jumpsuit on to stride into work.

It's what the doctor would've prescribed anyway no doubt.

But don't worry! Adult life also mean fun things like first dates where you get to whip out your sassy disco pants and star-printed wraparound top that is just a little out of this world.

Oh, and also not so fun things like waking in horrifically hungover in last night's dungarees. When all you were planning was a quikc pint or two down at the pub...

Pom poms, badges, and 90s basketball jerseys?

See. I told you. ADULT.

But don't worry. I tackle the important issues as well, like girl power and sarcastic slogans. Both of which are actually two very impotant pillars in my life.

But enough of all this serious adult malarky - when it comes to the weekend, surely it's playtime? And I hear Club Tropicana does 2 for 1 mojitos, so imma head over there in some slouchy striped trousers perfect for busting out the dance moves, with a tropical crop top to boot. And let's throw in a braided faux-mohawk in for good measure eh? Yeah, why not!

Ah, and let's not bypass my new obsessed with Puma. I'm a Nike girl through and through but tropical ptints and rose gold lettering? Well, can could I say no eh?

 

And when all's said and done, you just can't beat a denim jacket to get you through the...let's say tempermental British summer weather. Emblazoned with ombred embroiderary and topped off with stripes on your bum and sparkles on your bow - that's enough to get you through the Endless summer.

Until next time...

A.x