100 Happy Days Challenge

100 Happy Days Challenge

As I approach the Day 50 milestone in my #100happydays challenge I thought I would share a selection of my favourite happy moments. If you are wondering whether or not to take up the challenge then I would say just do it and it has been a lot easier than I expected and definitely helping me feel more positive.

Old School Trainers/Charity Bake Sale/Brixton fun times with Bex/Pizza as big as my head/Practising my crow pose/Queen Beyone at the Brits/Spring Daffodils/Driving through the sunny Peak District

Stylist Magazine

I am lucky in the fact I get to go to London once a week for work and always look forward to picking up a copy of the Stylist magazine while I am there. Its the perfect read that covers all my favourite topics, fashion, travel, celebs and book reviews.

This week the Stylist covered a great piece on the best Beauty looks in Disney. Most girls love a Disney Princess, for her enviable hair, wardrobe (ball gowns hello) and handsome Prince, so this article made me really smile.

Image courtesy of Stylist Magazine and copyright belongs to Disney

Personally my No.1 Disney Princess will always be Belle and my favourite beauty look of hers has to be in the Ballroom when she sweeps along dancing in her golden gown.

You are never too old for Disney in my opinion :)

The Fault in our Stars

I think I wrote in an earlier post I was just about to begin reading 'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green. It took me just under a week to finish the book and I did really enjoy it, but it didn't make me cry as some friends had possibly suggest it would do. Call me a cold hearted Ice Queen :)

The story is all about the first love and last love of two teenagers Hazel and Gus, that despite meeting at a Cancer Support Group embark on a whirlwind friendship and romance in the saddest circumstances.

The book was an easy read and hard to put down once I got going. I now cant wait to see the film which comes out in the Summer.

Now its time to get back to reading Game of Thrones so I can see what lies next in store for my favourite characters in Westeros. Geek Alert!!

Charity Bake Sale

I have had such a busy and hectic week and I am so happy that Friday is here and I can look forward to a fun filled weekend in Manchester with friends. This weeks loving post features a variety of topics.

Baking

We held a charity bake sale at work on Friday to raise money for a local charity and it gave me a great excuse to give my brand new Cath Kidston Strawberry print cake stand a go. Its so pretty even with out cakes on it and I cant actually believe my brother picked this for me himself. Our bake sale had everything from Jammy Dodgers, to Rocky Road and Flapjacks. What a perfect way to spend Friday at work then stuffing your face full of cake.

Cath Kidston Cake Stand from Santa

Bake Sale

Breaking Bad

Now I love nothing more than a good American TV show box set to get into. 24, Prison Break, Game of Thrones, you name it I've watched it, so when Netflix offered a months free trial over Christmas I decided I would see what all the fuss was about and delve into Breaking Bad.

I was hooked instantly and cant believe that after 5 seasons I have now watched the final episode. The last few episodes of season 5 were 'on the edge of your seat' stuff and I am a little sad to say goodbye to Walt and Jessie. Now I am left with the decision of what box set to get into next???

Friday Dance Anthem

I was driving home from the Gym on Monday and Zane Lowe was playing a song that I just had to Shazaam. I love a good dance track with a female vocal and I have not stopped playing Hideaway by Kiesza. It definitely will make you get in the mood for the weekend. 

Happy Valentines Day and have a good weekend x

Winter Skincare

Winter Skincare

I don't know about everyone else but this cold and windy weather is wrecking havoc with my skin. Winter is always a bad time for our skin, where we yearn more than ever for Summer to make our skin glow and our freckles come out. Luckily I am getting through the winter with a few trusty skincare side kicks.

Now I wouldn't say I had a skincare regime as I am very much a face wipe and moisturiser kind of girl, however I have been a Boots No.7 fan for years now and its Essential Moisture is great as its non greasy, light and perfect for giving my skin that extra boost of moisture. They are definitely my go to brand for skin care.

But it is not just about keeping my face moisturised at this time of year as my little hands need some TLC too and this L'Occitane hand cream has been a life saver. It came free with an issue of Glamour Mag and it sits on my desk at work to remind me every day to pop it on and give me hands and nails some love. They have a brand new flavour 'Red Cherry' on their website which I'm tempted to try next.

Winter Saviours

Nails

In keeping with giving my nails some TLC I treated myself to a new nail polish in this great shade of blue. Rimmel are in my opinion one of the best polishes out there as they are long lasting, quick drying and their wide range of colours always make my nails looks purdy. I chose 'Aqua Cool' to match with the Topshop acid wash denim dress I wore this weekend on a night out in London.

Ice Blue Nails

London Fun
This weekend I was out in Brixton for a friends birthday and had dinner at an amazing Malaysian restaurant called Satay Brixton. We made it just in time to make the most of the £5 happy hour cocktails (Hello Mai Tai's) and every dish on the menu was screaming EAT ME!! I settled on Mr Wangs Chilli Beef and steamed rice. If you are looking for somewhere to eat dinner whilst in that side of London then I would definitely recommend Satay. I only wish I had a bigger belly to have eaten more.

Satay Brixton

Mai Tai Happy Hour Cocktails

New Music

Something that I always look forward to in the new year is lots of new music coming my way. As mentioned in an earlier blog post I am a big music fan and try and get to as many gigs as I can. Recently I came across two new songs on the Zane Lowe show which got me really excited.

'Coming of Age' is the brand new song by Foster the People and is amazing. Man I have missed this band and I cant wait for their new album 'Supermodel'.

Secondly 'There is no other time' is the new release by The Klaxons who have collaborated with Gorgon City on this track and I had to turn it up loud when I heard it. You can be sure this is set to be all over the radio any time now.

Hope you have had a good weekend x

London Grammar

Another week over and done with. I cant believe we are in February already.

I love seeing live music and this weekend I kicked off the first gig of 2014 when I went to see London Grammar at Rock City in Nottingham. I had high expectations as the album has been a car favourite of mine for months now and they were just incredible. I lost count the amount of times Hannah's voice gave me goose bumps especially during 'Sights' which is a song that lyrically means a lot to me. The band all met at University in Nottingham so it was a special gig for them to play back at the venue they all used to hang out at. If you get a chance to catch them around the country then you must go.

London Grammar at Rock City

I have also just finished reading a book I received for Christmas and definitely feel like I have my reading mojo back. 'How to fall in love' is the latest release from Cecelia Ahern and having been a big fan of her books for many years now I knew I wanted to add this one to my Christmas wish list.

The book tells the story of Christine and Adam and how unexpectedly one night their paths cross and they embark on a 2 week whirlwind that changes both of their lives. I wont spoil the plot but I will say if you want a good book to get into while the weather outside is so dreadful then I would recommend giving this one a go.

I am now going to start 'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green as I have heard so many great things and can't wait to dive straight into another good book.

Whilst going to gigs, reading books and consuming a whole heap of delicious food (I blame the friends I had coming to stay with me this weekend) I did manage to enjoy a morning walk in Wollaton Park in Nottingham. It was great to wrap up warm in a wooly hat and scarf and walk around the grounds and see the ducks.

Image courtesy of Sam Mathews

I also am keeping up with the #100happydays challenge on Instagram. Now on day 25 I am really enjoying feeling more positive about the year ahead and realising what a lucky girl I am to have the best friends and family in the world. Here is day 25 at Wollaton Park.

Thanks for reading x

Washington DC in a day

So whilst this blog will mostly feature new travel posts I did want to write a quick review on a tour I took in December 2012.

Spending six nights in NYC I was keen to explore further afield then previous trips had allowed time for. After doing some quick research I discovered you could get from New York to Washington in a reasonable amount of time that it wouldn't eat too much into my holiday.

New York to Washington DC in a day

I discovered that Viator offered a round trip deal for under £90, that included return bus transfers, and a whistle stop tour of all of the postcard famous sights of the city.

http://www.viator.com/tours/New-York-City/Washington-DC-Day-Trip-from-New-York/d687-3857DC1

Also be sure to look out for Discount coupons for Viator as I saved 10% on my tour.

Leaving NY early in the morning it takes around 3-4 hours to arrive in the Capital.

The Viator deal takes you to the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool, the Korean War memorial, the Capitol Hill State Building, the Whitehouse, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and finally a quick stop at Madame Tussauds where you can have you photo taken with Presidents old and new.

War Memorial with carved faces of the Veterans

Korean War Memorial

The famous Lincoln Memorial is a must visit when in the Capital

The Whitehouse

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

The tour was informative and our guide was great at picking out the highlights and historical facts. It didn't feel rushed and ample time was available for you to take the typical tourist shots in front of the iconic buildings.

The Reflecting Pool made famous in Forrest Gump

For the price of the tour and what was included into a jam packed day, I would definitely recommend Viator as this tour meant I could tick one more thing off of my Bucket List.

I will definitely look up Viator for future tours.

Is Washington DC on your bucket list?

Boohoo Boots

I have been slacking with my 'Loving this week' posts so here goes with my first one for January.

100 Happy Days Challenge

I recently came across on Twitter and Instagram a really great challenge to help beat those January blues. The 100 Happy Days challenge asks people to try and find something good in every single day that makes them happy and to take a photo of it and share via their favourite chosen social media.

You can join the challenge here - http://100happydays.com/ and I thought this was a really great idea to bring some positivity into your life and start to appreciate the little things in life.

I am on Day 8 of the challenge and I am really enjoying it so far and have roped a few friends into the challenge too.

Here is a quick snapshot of my last 8 - #100happydays

Yoga Session/Chinese with the girls/Walkies with Ringo/Sunday Baking/Banana for Spinning/Cuddles with Cyril/Bathtime Bliss/Beautiful Flowers in St Pancras

You can follow my progress on Instagram - Follow me

Disney Memories

Doing some research for work I came across this amazing Disney blog. They are showcasing on their blog the first-run theatrical poster for every movie released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. If you are a big Disney fan like me click through the gallery to see them all and reminisce. My favourite is Sleeping Beauty. Such a classic.

Images are not my own and copyright of Disney

Boohoo Boots

I snapped up these cute little Chelsea Boots from Boohoo recently and I can see these being my Winter footwear staple. They look great with tights and skinny jeans and super comfy and a bargain at only £25.

Happy Friday Everyone :)

America Road Trip - Part 4 Great Smoky Mountains

Leaving rainy Nashville behind next stop and another 213 miles to go the next stop was Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains.

I spent a great deal of time researching where would be the best place to stay in the smokies as we only had one night to stay. Gatlinburg offered everything I was looking for.

Driving to Gatlinburg you pass the town of Pigeon Forge, most famous as the home of Dollywood - A theme park owned by the one and only Dolly Parton. Driving through Pigeon Forge was one of the most bizarre driving experiences ever. It has an upside down hotel and a replica of King Kong and the Empire State Building. The word that springs to mind is tacky tourist town but thankfully that was not the final destination.

Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the heart of the Smokies the small town of Gatlinburg has picturesque scenery, a Moonshine Brewery and lots of personality.

Going at the beginning of August this place was very busy and full of tourists but that didn't distract you from any of the towns charm.

Quaint shops and restaurants line the side of the one road that goes right through the heart of Gatlinburg and pretty much everything is within walking distance.

A few recommendations if you are going to Gatlinburg are;

* To try all different 12 different types of Moonshine that they offer at the Brewery. I managed all 12!!

12 Varieties of Moonshine

* Look out for Racoons

This little guy was hanging out on a shop roof

* Take the sky lift to the top of the mountain for great views of the town. I went up just as the sun was going down so you had great views as the sky changed colour.

View from the top of the ski lift

If you have more time to spare in Gatlinburg there is also an Aquarium and an old fashioned trolley cart that takes you through the town.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Great Smoky Mountain Visitors Centre as they offer great advice on the best walks and drives to do with the time you have in the smokies. Due to limited time we opted for a drive up to Clingmans Dome observatory tower for a quick view from 7000 feet up, before setting off for a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautiful drive is incredibly high and through endless winding roads but on the other side we entered the State of North Carolina and one step closer to the final destination.

Thanks for reading my little blog!!