Sunday 7 July 2013

The Adventures of Amy


Hi Darlings,

If you've read my blog for a while, you might know that I have previously mentioned that every now and then I'd like to give a shout out to a new blogger, who I think deserves a few more followers than what she/he has.

This particular lady was in my English class at College, and I noticed that she was promoting her blog on Facebook. It has been popping up for a while and tonight I checked it out. 

Amy runs a lifestyle blog called the 'Adventures of Amy', her site is beautifully laid out and easy to navigate, and she has brilliant quality photos. As you all know I'm a sucker for a bit of a music post and I'm happy to see she has some music mixed in there, as well as a really personal writing style that frankly I thought was pretty darn lovely. 

She's been working hard on her blog and I know more than anyone how hard it can be to get it out there, so if I can help even just a little I thought why not?

Please go check her out?




Have a wonderful evening lovelies,

Lea
x

Sunday 16 June 2013

Soul It Out Sunday - Regulate, I Keep Forgettin'


Happy Sunday Darlings,

This weeks song is by Warren G and Nate Dogg. It relied heavily on the four bar sample of Michael McDonald's 'I Keep Forgettin', and peaked at number 2 on the Bilboard Hot 100 in 1994. It also enjoyed success in the UK, reaching number 5 in the charts. 



The song appears on the film soundtrack for 'Over the Rim' and is largely heralded as the catalyst for the G funk genre of music' a hybrid between 'gangsta rap' and funk. 

Of course I'm also pretty partial to a touch of Michael McDonald, so I have also included the this video too. This featured on his debut album 'If that's what it takes'.




Have a relaxing evening everyone,

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Snapshots of Life



Hi Darlings,



This week has been a mixed one. I've deep cleaned my house, lazed in the sunshine, had toothache from my dentist being incompetent and had fun out and about with Alex. All in all though, it's been a happy one :)


Mozarella and Tomato for a BBQ with Alex

Homemade Ice-Tea

Freshening my bedroom for Summer

Trip to Krispy Kreme

New Red Blouse from H&M 

Let me know if you've had an interesting week?

Love you all,
Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.

Friday 14 June 2013

Everything is just magical..


Hello Beautiful,

Sometimes we're all guilty of not living in the moment. It's a shame because we miss the little things. I'm making a conscious effort not to let these moments pass me by. Life's too short <3







Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.


Images via weheartit.com

Thursday 13 June 2013

The Joy Of Makeup


Hi Lovely,

I don't have much to say other than take a look at this. Even Barbie needs a little help.



We can breathe a little easier.

Have a good day everyone <3

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.


Wednesday 12 June 2013

Sunspo


Hi Honey!

I'm so excited for the sun, nothing makes me happier than waking up to the sun streaming in through the net around my bed, it looks so pretty!

I have these images on rotation for my background on several things, they make me feel motivated and on top of the world <3







What do you think?

I hope the sun is shining where you are :)

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.


Images via weheartit.com

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Fancy a laugh??


Hi lovelies,

Just had to share this with you, God it made me laugh!



Who on earth is this cretin? He looks a gherkin short of a burger, I'll tell you that one!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.

Sunny weather food


Hi Darlings,

I don't know about you but as soon as the weather gets warmer I get so much more creative in the kitchen. I love to mix it up with different salads, cold drinks and frozen treats. Here are some that I've spotted round and about that I'd love to try!

Berry Milk Pops
Mix milk and condensed milk together and blend, add frozen berries, then pour into lolly moulds. Use this recipe if you need some help.

Simple Fruit Salad 
Try adding something exotic such as dragon-fruit or passionfruit for  a change.

Nutella Strawberries
Easy peasy, take the tops off, dip in Nutella. Marshmallow fluff also works really well with this.  

The Girly Breakfast
Slice different types of melon and strawberries, sprinkle with a touch of sugar.
Buttermilk pancakes, try this recipe. 
Strawberry smoothies, simply blend plenty of strawberries, a good amount of frozen yoghurt and then fill your jug half full (to the yoghurt) with milk. Blend and add a cute straw.

Breakfast Sunday
Layer up natural frozen yoghurt with your favourite berries. Try adding a layer or two of granola for a crunchy treat, and drizzle the top with honey. 

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.


Images via weheartit.com

Sunday 9 June 2013

Soul It Out Sunday - Englishman In New York


Hi Darlings,



This week's Soul It Out Sunday comes in the form of Sting and the Police, namely their collaboration entitled 'Englishman in New York'. Now granted, this isn't soul, it's most definitely Jazz, but you'll let me off won't you?



'Englishman in New York' came from Sting's 1987 album 'Nothing like the Sun', and talks specifically about the gay icon Quentin Crisp as the Englishman. 


The single was re-promoted in the mid 1990's reaching number 15 in the UK, however it only peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

At the end of the original video, an elderly voice can be heard saying, "If I have an ambition other than a desire to be a chronic invalid, it would be to meet everybody in the world before I die..."
As it is, this is a really great video and I really recommend that you check it out.  

I hope you've had a great weekend guys, I enjoyed writing about this one. It's got some great trivia surrounding it and I really recommend you check out the link to Quentin Crisp above, he certainly was an interesting character, he even criticised Princess Diana publicly; quite the scandal!


Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.

Friday 7 June 2013

Low Cal Sweet Summer Treat - Whipped Strawberry Smoothies!


Hi Beautiful!

When Summer arrives I'm all about self improvement, just those few extra tweaks that I want to do when the sun shines. But this doesn't mean I don't crave a treat every now and then!

Enter Whipped Strawberry Smoothies!

They are so easy to make and under 150kcal!


Take some Angel Delight, (I used strawberry, but you could use any) and make it up according to the instructions (I use roughly half a packet for my own portion). Use Skimmed Milk to keep the calories down, add a little more than normal to ensure it doesn't thicken too much.   

Grab you blender, and pour you mix in, then add an equal part of skimmed milk, a handful of strawberries and plenty of ice. Blend like crazy!

It's lovely and thick and creamy, but still cold and refreshing!

Put it into a cute jar with retro straws or spoons, to serve for the girls on a sunny afternoon!

Have a fun day everyone <3

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.
Image via weheartit.com

Thursday 6 June 2013

What on EARTH is wrong with Weheartit?!


Hi lovelies,

Now I'm just as much of a fan of Weheartit.com as the next person. It's got great inspiration and it's one of my go-to's for bright, colourful, happy images. But every now and then I stumble across a photo and just think what?!

Just take a look at these for instance:







What on EARTH is going on with these? And believe me, this is a small selection of ones I could have used. Some far worse than the ones above! I have to say, Weheartit really does need to start moderating their images much better. Particularly those relating to pro-ana. And on that note, has anyone ever actually seen a female on Weheartit who is anything less than tiny? It drives me nuts! What kind of message is this sending out to the younger and more impressionable girls out there?

Have any of you found this? Let me know. And also, if you do come across a pro-ana picture on Weheartit, please please report it. We don't need that out there do we?

Have a wonderful day lovelies!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Currently Wishing...


Hello Darlings,

With summer just around the corner and an impending trip to Vegas, I'm in the mood for bright colours,  whites, and gold jewellery to offset your tan.
These are the things that I'm currently lusting after!

White Jeans, H&M, £9.99 - here
White Camisole, H&M, £12.99 - here
Black Camisole, H&M, £12.99 - here
Nailvarnish, Mavala, Jaipur, Beauty Bay, £4.00 - here
Rings, H&M, £2.99 - here
Clutch, Zara, £39.99 - here
Shoes, New Look, £59.99 - here
Lipstick, Mac, Morange, £14.00 - here
Necklace, Topshop, £25.00 - here

I am completely in love with the two camisoles, I think they'd look great with some denim shorts and a tan! Definitely time for some online shopping!

Let me know if you have a current wish-list?

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Snapshots of Life


Hello Sweetpea,

I hope you're having a lovely day, I'm off out with my Dad. We haven't been out together in a long time, and since I don't live near my parents, I don't get to see them as much as I'd like. Today is about great food, good music, and shopping! (Honestly, he's a bit Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen - he loves to shop).

I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you a few snapshots of my life in the past week, it's not been all that exciting, but it's the little things <3

 Tea in my favourite mug, a gift from Megan's brother, Tom for my 21st.

 Breakfast with the girls, Eggs Royale at LS6 in Hyde Park in Leeds.

 Yo Sushu! One of my favourite places to eat, their Katsu Curry is amazing! This was on a trip out for my Mum's birthday.

 Candles lit as I curled up on the sofa with my book after my last exam.

Watching the sun rise through my bedroom window; I love to do this if I'm awake early enough.

It's all about the little things. 
I'm feeling very lucky at the moment, I'm about to start a new chapter in my life and I'm so excited to see what it brings <3

Love to you all,
Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Monday 3 June 2013

Favourite Spring Outfit?


Hello Darlings!

Today I'd like to share my favourite Spring outfit with you. It's great for plenty of different occasions, with sandals and the jeans turned up in the daytime (weather permitting) or with heels and a jacket on a night time, when a dress is OTT.

These are very quick iPhone snaps, so forgive me for the quality, I just wanted to share!



The jeans are from H&M - Similar here
The Top it from Zara - not available online, but similar here
The necklace is from Primark (last year)

I love the simplicity of the outfit, yet it has lovely details like the back of the vest, or the light rips in the jeans <3

Do you have a go to Spring outfit? I'm loving seeing all of the bright colours appearing in the shops, Zara is really on form at the moment!

Have a wonderful day everyone,

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Sunday 2 June 2013

Soul It Out Sunday - Dreams


Hello Darlings,

It's my favourite day of the week again, you all know how I love my music.
I am aware that these posts are a hit and miss with you guys, but it's something that I love doing, and frankly if I spread a song to even one person, it's worth it to me. In my opinion the craft of music is in a serious decline, and I'm in love with the way that (in my opinion) it should be.

This weeks song is by the fabulous Fleetwood Mac. They had a particularly fabulous album called 'Tango in the Night' that was released in 1987. Not my favourite time music wise (or in general if I'm honest), but I do enjoy that album, if you ever find it knocking about, I recommend a listen.

I doubt that many of you out there won't have heard of Stevie Nicks, she has to be one of my favourite female artists, with such a lovely tone to her voice. This song really showcases her talent, and I'm sure it's one a lot of you will recognise.



'Dreams' is from Fleetwood Mac's 1997 album, Rumours. It was written by Stevie Nicks, and was Fleetwood Mac's only number one US hit, remaining in the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks. It peaked at number 6 in the UK.
Initially it was criticised for the chord pattern being too simplistic, mainly consisting of a three chord structure. However, the song was pushed through, and became a massive success.

Happy listening everyone,

Lea 
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Saturday 1 June 2013

Every girl has a favourite dress?


Hello Sweetpea!

When I was growing up, I never really had a favourite dress. Actually, maybe that's a lie..
I remember I had one when I was much younger, maybe 6-7, which my grandparents brought me back from Portugal. It was a very expensive, heavy emerald green material with white trim and lace detail, very tutu-ish in the skirt, and I loved it. 
Fast forward to now, and it's taken me years to get giddy over a dress. Normally I like one for a little while and then I'll snap; something in me will have changed the way I see it, and alas, it's a favourite no more. (Bit fickle there Lea... I can assure you I do still wear these dresses). 

However! Over a year ago now I found the one. And I love it so much, I really limit the times I wear it, so it's a real special occasion dress. It wasn't that expensive, it was from one of the concessions at Topshop, maybe around £80. You know when you put a dress on and you just feel nice? Well it's one of those. It's flattering, it's bright, and most importantly, it's fun!


If any of you have recognised me from my incredibly brief appearance on a rather embarrassing TV reality series (which I thankfully severely doubt), you'll spot it's the one I wore then. (And yes, I would rather die than ever do that again - for the record, how I left was a set up, I opted out based on what the next episode entailed). It was potentially one of my less wonderful decisions in life! But hey ho! We live and learn!

If this was my one and only dress for the rest of my life I would be happy, I'm a monogamous lady! Do you have a favourite dress? Or are you a polyamorous dress lover? Let me know!

Have a wonderful day lovelies,

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Friday 31 May 2013

The Way The Cinema Should Be?


Hello Gorgeous,

A couple of days ago I went to see The Great Gatsby with Alex, and I can honestly say that it is an absolutely incredible film. The storyline isn't fantastic, but in terms of the acting, the staging and the soundtrack, it really is incredible.

However, Alex decided to surprise me and took me to the Everyman cinema in Leeds Trinity, and I can honestly say the entire experience was mind-blowing. This is not the place where you shuffle into uncomfortable sticky seats with your overpriced Coke and popcorn, this is how the Cinema should be.

 Margarita Pizza - this was so incredibly tasty, potentially one of the best Margaritas I've ever had.

 Olives and Garlic Bread...

And yes, I saved the best 'till last. Sofas. They were in two's and three's, and were fantastically comfy.

This in my opinion, is the way the cinema should be. It really makes going to the cinema a night out rather than a couple of hours in the dark. There is a full bar, so you can take in a bottle/glass of wine, beer, spirits, even cocktails. At the end of the film, people were still chatting and finishing their drinks while discussing the film, which was absolutely lovely. Such a change from people jumping up to run out and get out of the car park.

Having said this, it's not cheap. It's around the £11 mark for a ticket, and the food isn't exactly what you'd call economical. But if you're looking for a night out that's different, it's around the same cost as a meal out, or potentially even less. I can't wait to go back again, I'm a complete convert!

Let me know if you go!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Thursday 30 May 2013

Donut Burger?!


Morning lovelies,

This post is not for the faint hearted, calorie baulking, of you out there - RUN!

Red's True BBQ is at the very top of Call lane, next to The Corn Exchange, in Leeds. It specialises in BBQ food, and my God it is GLORIOUS! 

I have wanted to go to Red's for a really long time, but the pricing has meant that I've had to stay away. Realistically, it's not that expensive, no more so than a steak restaurant would be, but since I was on a student budget, I just didn't have the spare cash floating about. 

The atmosphere is very relaxed, and I'm not going to lie, it really is quite smokey from the grills, but not in an eye-watering, cough inducing manner. It really just adds to the authenticity of the place. Don't dress up, my advice is keep it casual, and wear something loose!!

 Choose from a variety of BBQ/Hot sauces, I really recommend the second and third from the left.

Meet Red's Ultimate Milkshake, Pecan Apple Pie and fudge blended together - absolute heaven.

The Donut burger, and yes, that really is a donut on the top. This is the single most amazing thing I have ever eaten in my life, I cannot tell you how incredible it was! The sweet potato fries and fried gherkins were also to die for!

This is an incredible place to get together with friends; it's a great casual and friendly atmosphere, with amazing food that's such a good talking point. Aim for lunch there, as you can't make reservations so the dinner time queue can be lengthy. I also think the obvious thing to say here, is that it's not the most Vegetarian friendly place out there! 

If you're in or near Leeds, give this place a shot, I dare you!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3. 

Where to start, where to start?


Hello Darlings,

It's been over two months since my last post and what a whirlwind it has been. As some of you may know, I study Law at Leeds Uni, and this was my third and final year. This of course meant the dreaded dissertation, and also finals. Eugh. 
My dissertation deadline came up so quickly, it all seemed to culminate in a frantic scramble to get it finished; cue plenty of allnighters. This was closely followed with my exam period and I can honestly say it almost finished me off. In one particular week I had around 20 hours sleep in a 5 day period, safe to say I was exhausted. 
However, I am now absolutely overjoyed to say that... IT'S OVER! It's no secret that I wasn't a fan of my degree, it was what my family wanted, and I'm so relieved to never have to sit a pointless exam ever again. Honestly, one of my final year compulsory topics was Jurisprudence, which is a study of the theory behind law. This included a study into how literature portrays the law, and in one particular area, this meant a study of Harry Potter (the Ministry of Magic) blah blah blah. Before you all think I'm off studying the trial of the Hippogryph Buckbeak, I can assure you my other topics included family law and equity and trusts - not nearly as exciting. However, at least I'm now particularly clued up as to how to deal with my will; every cloud and all that. 


Moving on from the genuine excitement of my law degree which has undoubtedly got you on the very edge of your seats, I alas, do not have much else to report. I have plenty of blogging ideas whirling around in my head and am also considering a little blog makeover, but we shall see. It won't be anything too drastic if I do. Christ on a bike it took me long enough to tinker about to get this one looking semi decent. 

I'm looking forward to getting back to my hobby again, and shunning my textbooks, (Herring - Family Law, I'm looking at you buddy). Thanks for once again sticking by me, and I can't wait to see what you guys have been up to while I've been a hermit in a corner of my bedroom, slowly getting more and more pasty. 


Abiento!

Lea
x

p.s. All this hype about GFC; it's still going to be working (so I am informed), so if you'd like to follow me, please still click on the button to the right :) Alternatively, you can follow me via Bloglovin' <3.