Introducing Hendrix

On the Thursday evening before Easter, I headed down to Surrey to pick up the newest member of our family, Hendrix. 

My husband and I had been speaking for year about getting a dog. Actually, it was more me pestering him and asking him when we were going to get one. I have been pretty patient - it's been about 4-5 years that I've been asking for a pet. However, right now just seemed like the right time.

Last Weekend's Hen Do

My motivation for writing blog posts has really decreased since I started which is not a good sign. But if I'm being perfectly honest, it's because I don't know what to write about most of the time. Also, my inability to get good photos of outfits makes me NOT want to write anything fashion related. 

So here's another post that is not fashion or beauty related. 

This past weekend, I went on a bachelorette or as the Brits would call it - a hen do. My friend from university, Sasha is currently visiting London and it was decided not too long ago that we should celebrate the fact that she's getting married! With that in mind, the eight of us started off Friday night at Little Nan's 90s Bar in Shoreditch. Little Nan's is actually a pop up, so it's not there a lot of the time. The place was really cutely decorated - little chairs and coffee tables scattered across the room and cocktails being served out of teapots and drunk out of teacups. The  music was as you'd expect, very 90s. Think Destiny's Child, TLC, Backstreet Boys and N'Sync. If I'm being completely honest, it was a little kitsch. 

I'm Backkkkk!

So it's been a while since I've posted anything on the blog and it's because my husband and I were away on our honeymoon. Finally, the time had come. And as quickly as it came, it went too!

We're now back in rainy and cold London and feeling a serious case of the holiday blues - which is why it's taken me time to even post anything since being back in the UK. We're having a look at where we should go next year for holiday. We only took about 5 days to ourselves for our honeymoon, and it definitely wasn't long enough. So next year, we're having a continuation to our honeymoon - hopefully in the Caribbean. 

Look of the Day

So, I've finally used my HISY in order to do an outfit post. Please don't judge guys, I'm already SO self conscious about doing this and I really don't feel comfortable at all. But I love clothes, and I love seeing what people are wearing so I thought I'd finally contribute.

Last night, I went out to dinner with a couple of Malaysian friends of mine to celebrate Chinese New Year. I don't actually specifically celebrate this holiday so it was more of an excuse for the three of us to get together for some good Korean food (one of my favourite cuisines!)

20 Under £20 for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is literally around the corner. Honestly, I can’t believe how quickly years go by. When I reflect on previous years, I cannot believe how time just passes you by. I was just in Dubai last year, spending Valentine's Day alone, and this year, I'll be jetting off on my honeymoon with my husband!

On to my husband - he's not a big believer in Valentine's Day. Much to my annoyance, it's just a normal day for him and he refuses to give it any recognition. As a girl, Valentine's Day is one of the best days and calls for romance that just knocks life out of the ordinary for the day. This is something that my husband just fails to understand. 

The Problem with Outfit Posts

So here's the thing about taking outfit photos. Taking them can be a complex, long-winded process. 

Alongside not feeling completely comfortable having my picture taken, as well as finding the right location, lens and light, it can be IMPOSSIBLE to find a photographer who is willing to take numerous shots until I say they're acceptable. Also, how awks is it when someone is there just taking photos of you when you're trying to look natural but you're posing at the same time? 

With all of these things to depend on, it's so easy to just sack it off and not do it. As you can see, I haven't taken any on my blog so far because I can be so self conscious. 

Therefore, I decided to invest in a £20 gadget that will allow me to take pictures in a way that removes the stress. Check out the HISY. 

Hisy Camera Remote

The Corporate Catwalk

If you follow me on Twitter, then you'll know that I FINALLY got a job and started it very recently! While I was working here in London a few years ago, I worked for a start up and I could wear relaxed clothing such as jeans and T-shirts and nothing would be said. With my new job, the dress code is slightly smarter and I have been mentally going through my existing wardrobe for what I can piece together for cute outfits. I have trawled all over Pinterest getting inspiration and have decided that every working wardrobe should have staples such as: a cropped black trouser, smart (comfortable) heels, a variety of tops, a pencil skirt and a dress appropriate for work.

I've put together a couple of my favourite high street staples:

Skinny Crop Trousers // Feathered Court Shoe // Silk Crepe Print Top // Animal Print Silk Blouse // Wrap Pencil Dress // Tie Wrap Midi Skirt

Diving In! The Best Bathing Suits I Could Find

So as some of you already know, my husband and I are going to Thailand next month for our honeymoon! FINALLY! I can't wait for some bloody sun and warm weather. February in London is SO depressing so I'm really looking forward to getting away. We're also stopping in Dubai enroute to Phuket for a few days so I'll get to see my family which is a massive bonus.

So...Seeing as we're going to a warm island that means that I obvs have to look for new swimwear. And I'm totally feeling the one-piece vibe. They're so chic, no? Here are my top picks - perhaps in the next few weeks you'll see me in one (or probably all) of them.

ASOS Belted Plunge Swimsuit // Nasty Gal Make A Slash Swimsuit // Nasty Gal Up To No Good Swimsuit // Colour Block One Piece Swimsuit

What I Got For Christmas

I know, I know! It's a bit late and I should have done this earlier. But I thought I would share what I got for Christmas. I wasn't going to write this blog post, but I have enjoyed reading peoples' 'what I got for Christmas' posts and I decided that I might as well write one too!

This year was different for me because it was my very first Christmas away from my parents and my sister (who I missed desperately during this holiday season). I'm not going to lie - it was quite hard. My parents make such a big deal out of presents - I guess it's because we're a pretty small family. And we do all the traditional stuff as well like having a big Christmas lunch on the day and having family and close friends round. This year it was very different because I spent this Christmas with my husband's family (first Christmas as a married couple - Woo!) and they do things quite differently although it was traditional at the same time. 

Farfalle with Peas, Broccoli and Bacon

I'm not going to lie about it. I love food. I literally sit and think about what my next meal is going to be all the time. And I enjoy cooking (as long as I'm not cooking for just myself). I tend to stick to meals that are easier to put together so you should see quite a few of them pop up on the blog every now and then.

This pasta dish couldn't be easier and it all comes together as quickly as it takes to boil the pasta! No joke, you can have your meal ready in literally 15 minutes. It's pretty much just tossing everything together and you're there!

2016 - Review and Resolutions

So guys, first things first - HAPPY NEW YEAR! Last year truly was an amazing one with some really big life changes and events - getting married to my husband after being together for five years and moving to Dubai and then back to London all in the space of 9 months. I had an amazing time in 2015 despite the stresses of planning our wedding from abroad and being separated from my then fiancé. The year really has been a rollercoaster ride full of changes - and I'm still adjusting.