Bad Blogger Syndrome

Hey girls,

I know I'm not posting as regularly as I do normally (not by a long way!), but don't fear, I haven't got bored or lazy with my blog, it's just that since I moved into my new place I haven't had the Internet. It's being installed on the 6th so as of then I'll be back to normal. I just find it really fiddly to post on my phone, so my posts may be a bit more thinly spread, but I am still here reading your blogs every day, I haven't disappeared! :D

In other news, I GOT A SUMMER JOB TODAY!!! Weeee! I'm working at YooMoo in the White Rose Centre in Leeds, so if you're popping in, come and say hi!

I hope you're all doing well, thanks for bearing with me!

Lea

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Slimming into Summer progress [6]

In the last week I've lost half a pound, which I'm surprised I managed! I've done a lot of eating out and catching up with people so I was expecting to have actually put on weight!

I managed to read another book, however it wasn't the Dawn French book, it was Inkheart by Cornelia Funke- an old book from my childhood that reminds me of good times. I'd like to keep this up by reading at least one book per fortnight.

As far as the stretching I still have 2 weeks to go, so keep wishing my luck on that one!

This week along with continuing to improve my flexibility I'm going to try and get to bed earlier. I'd like to be asleep by 11:30 which is quite a change to my usual 2am kind of thing (I'm a night person).

I'm going to sign off now because like I said in my last post, I feel really ill, and my bed is calling to me.

Have a good day lovelies,

Lea

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Chipmunk Face...

Rice Pudding (low fat) with peaches. I've always loved this <3

I feel like death warmed up. It started yesterday at about 12ish but I thought I was just feeling a bit under the weather. Fast forward to this morning and I've had no sleep and glands like golf balls. Not pretty.

So I'm spending the day feeling sorry for myself with my favourite comfort foods and an L word Marathon.

Lea

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And some actual outfit inspiration..

I couldn't leave you with just a bunch of glitter pics, as beautiful as they were so I thought I'd put these up from my inspiration folder too.

Just recently with it turning colder again (and so much flipping rain!) I've embraced black. I've never worn a lot of black, but since I've lost some weight I'm finding it super flattering and I'm loving it! I've been rocking pointed slingback black heels and dark grey skinny jeans with zip accents all weekend!

When I'm wearing black though I find it important to break it up a little or it can drag me down a bit. A bright lip, glitter eyeshadow or a contrasting fun top would all do the trick and make sure I'm looking feminine chic rather than goth chic!

Lea

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Glitter Inspo!

On the theme of Glitter (from my last post) I thought I'd share some of my favourite glitter images with you!

I'm not an OTT fan of glitter but I think when it's done right it looks amazing!

Lea

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Glittered Pigeon

Hi loveies, I just wanted to give you a heads up about my best girlfriend's new blog. She just started it and she's super excited, it would mean so much to me if you could nip over and check it out <3

It can be found here.

Thankyou so much, I know you'd make her day!

Lea

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Retail Therapy and T.G.I Friday's

Time Square Big Share, Jack Daniels sauce is so amazing!

I had such a busy day yesterday rushing around getting ready to go home. I managed to get everything done and set off in time, only to get lost on the moors in thick fog with no petrol. It was quite akin to American Werewolf and frankly I thought I was going to die. Until a sheep appeared from nowhere and I nearly ran it over and then almost did kill myself in the process of saving said sheep's life.

Once I got home I hopped back into my car and drove to Manchester Airport to see my parents at their hotel before they flew today. We ate in the Raddison Blu Runway Brasserie and the cheesecake was awesome! By the time I got home it was pretty late (no sheep tried to kill me on that journey) but I headed to the pub to see some of my good guy friends who I haven't seen in a while.

Today my best girlfriend and I hit the Trafford Centre. We spent most of it eating and drinking in T.G.I. Friday's which is one of our favourite places, but I did pick up a couple of things which I'll show you soon!

I have to run now as I'm off out for my friends' 50th Birthday (my friend's mum, but she's also a good friend of mine).

Keep safe and try to avoid any rogue sheep on the road!

Lea

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Cinema Snacking?

So we're going to take a second shot at MIB 2 tonight since we didn't get there yesterday!

I was just eating my dinner and watching ANTM, when I found myself pondering on how many calories there are in cinema popcorn, not that many I told myself, it's only puffed corn and air and it hardly fills you up does it? I did some googling on the subject and found out that it contains almost 500 calories in the smallest box, that is a hell of a lot of calories!

I don't think I'll ever be able to look popcorn in the box again!

So this has left me with a dilemma, everyone wants to snack on something naughty at the cinema right? These are my top picks:

• A Milkybar - 140 cals
• A small pot of Ben and Jerries Frozen Yoghurt at the cinema - should come in at 180 cals or under
• Skinny Topcorn Sea Salt flavour - 115 cals per bag
• 4 Strawberry Cables - 144 cals
• A fruit pot - around 100 cals depending on what fruit is in there
• Rainbow drops - 40g 107 cals

What do you recommend?

Lea

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11 Questions?

I was tagged by the lovely Hannah over at Confession Closet to do this tag. She left me a lovely comment recently, such a kind thing to do, so head on over and check her blog out?

The rules of the tag:

1. Post 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the questions your tagger asked
3. Create your own 11 questions and tag people to do them
4. Tell them they have been tagged

11 Things about me:

1. I have a Basset Hound called Walter

2. I've been out and proud for 4 years now

3. I'm a keyboardist, I've played since I was 9ish

4. My car is my pride and joy, but one day I would love to own a Triumph Spitfire

5. Yes I am a petrol head - people are usually shocked by this one!

6. I'm going to celebrate my 21st Birthday in Vegas Baby!

7. My hair was once black

8. I am in love

9. I'm particularly fond of Peonies

10. I think a lady having a signature scent is far better than any expansive perfume collection

11. I fully intend to watch Mean Girls snuggled with a hot chocolate on my bed when I've done this!

Hannah's Questions:

1. The makeup/beauty product I use the most:

- I use Johnson's Dreamy Skin makeup wipes like they're going out of fashion. Even just to freshen up during the day. Smell them and you'll know why! :D

2. A beauty tip:

- When you have a tan, add a touch of highlighter along your collarbones, they'll look fantastic.

3. My favourite thing to blog about:

- Probably my miscellaneous posts like my Gay Marriage one. I love to see your responses!

4. My favourite thing about blogging:

Being part of a feminine community like this, and not being shunned for being gay and girly.

5. My most expensive product:

- Probably my Bobbi Brown brushes.

6. My most inexpensive product:

- My E.L.F. eyebrow set

7. Makeup item I'm currently lusting after:

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar

8. Celebrity who's makeup I love:

- Kate Winslet - So timeless and classic.

9. If I could only use one makeup brand for the rest of my life it would be:

Bobbi Brown

10. A product I don't like is:

The Urban Decay Setting sprays - they're refreshing but don't really do anything for me.

11. Neutral or vibrant makeup?

- Vibrant, because life's too short to wear nude lipstick and your Naked Pallet every day.

My questions:

1. Be honest, do you take your makeup off every single night?

2. What is the best skincare product you have ever used?

3. What's your favourite Disney character?

4. Who are you girl crushing over at the moment?

5. What is your opinion on Joan Rivers giving out advice on who looks good?

6. Flats or Heels?

7. Would you rather visit Thailand or Alaska?

8. What's your most eye-catching nail polish in your collection?

9. What was the last book you read or are reading?

10. What is your most prized possession?

11. What is your favourite low cal snack?

I tag anyone who fancies answering a few questions on themselves (we all love these things once in a while hehe), if you do it, let me know because I'd love to see your answers to my question :D

Oh and I also tag Alex, over at My Life, The Universe and Everything, because she hasn't blogged in forever and she needs a push in the right direction!

Lea

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Trafford Centre Maybes?

Okay, so following on from my last post, these are the things that I have my eye on (second to that glass of wine!)

Tops:

Clockwise from top right: Zara Jumper with Bow - £35.99, H&M Figure fit top £7.99, H&M Blouse £19.99, H&M Cardigan £19.99 (would be great as a beach cover up).

Bottom half:

Clockwise from top right: Zara Pop Fabric Skinny Flares - £49.99, Zara Bleach Wash Straight Denim £35.99, H&M Skirt £7.99, H&M Skirt £14.99.

Shoes:

Clockwise from top right: Zara Cross Strap Sandal - £39.99, Zara Sandal With Contrasting Strap - £19.99, H&M Leather Sandals - £24.99, Zara Basic Sandal - £29.99, Zara Court shoe - £49.99, Zara Sandal with Snakeskin Straps £49.99.

Accessories:

Clockwise from top right: Zara Zipped Clutch - £39.99, Zara Soft Bowling Bag £29.99, Zara Animal Print Scarf £15.99, H&M Bracelet - £1.99, H&M Necklace - £4.99, H&M Bag £24.99.

Makeup:

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar- £30.50, Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Orange - £18.

LUSH:

Clockwise from top right: Rose Jam Bubble Bar - £3.50, Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb - £3.15, Floating Island Bath Melt - £3.75, Cupcake Face Mask - £5.75, The Comforter Bubble Bar £4.15.

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My top 5 picks that I'm going to look out for are:

Zara Soft Bowling Bag £29.99

Zara Animal Print Scarf £15.99

Zara Basic Sandal - £29.99

H&M Blouse £19.99

Floating Island Bath Melt - £3.75

Lea

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(Images taken from respective websites, no copyright infringement intended)

Nightmares and retail therapy

So last night did not go to plan.

I really respect my in-laws, but occasionally my soon to be mother in law makes less than polite comments. I don't actually think she knows she's doing it most of the time though so at least that's something.... At the end of the day I'm marrying Alex, not her parents, and as much as I would love to have a great relationship with them, I have to remember that.

Having said this, I did get a little upset last night (there's only so many comments a person can take!) and so, cue Daddy. Every girl needs their Daddy from time to time and I'm no exception. After an hour on the phone he had calmed me down, given me some good advice and cheered me up all in one go. Albeit his advice was quite passionate to say the least, it was quite akin to someone taking down a rebel force somewhere ha, but I know it's because he loves me and hates to see me upset.

His parting words to me were that he would leave me some money on my dressing table (they're going away to China and Japan, not Vietnam it turns out, on Friday) and that 'when all else fails, take the girls and go shopping, that'll cheer you up'. Bless him <3 He's kind of a Gok Wan at heart.

Now I'm not insinuating that he's left me his credit card to go wild with, I'm not that much of a Daddy's girl, and this is not a regular occurrence, in-fact it's a pretty rare occurrence. I never ask my parents for money, I've had a job since I was 12 until I started Uni and now I'll be doing freelance work hopefully, and there's always summer jobs. So he must have been feeling sorry for me!

Add all that to the fact that I had a pretty horrendous nightmare this morning which was kind of a cross between The Hunger Games and Never Let Me Go, and I think I'm going to take him up on his offer!! I'm going to grab my girlfriends and hit the Trafford Centre this weekend, even if it only ends up in a glass of wine and some dinner in Selfridges Food Hall it would be lovely <3 I'm going to put up a post after this of some of my current picks that I'm on the look out for when I do hit the Trafford.

Lea

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Will Smith and Rabbit Sitting...

Tonight Alex and I are off to see Men In Black 3. For a lesbian I sure do love Will Smith hehe <3

We're running out the door soon to nip to get some food shopping in, I'm all out of fish and lean meat and my salad stock is dwindling! (Not to mention my flatmate keeps eating my food...) I also need to stock up on YooMoo! I'm so happy they're selling it in supermarkets now, it's my favourite low fat treat :D

After the joys of the wonderful Will Smith we're off to pick up Squirrel.

Squirrel is a rabbit that belongs to one of my closest girlfriends (God only knows what the name is all about) and we're looking after her for a week while her lovely mama has gone to London for a final fitting of her (chief)bridesmaids dress. I can't wait for you all to meet her! She's such a cutie!

Also while we're on the subject of rabbity things... we might have a sneaky new addition to show you! :p

Have a lovely evening ladies <3

Lea

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Gym Bunny

I'm off to the gym for a yoga class and then a swim and sauna. I've only had one yoga class before and I really enjoyed it so fingers crossed!

When I was getting ready to leave, it suddenly occurred to me to ask you guys something...

Do you put makeup on to go to the gym? Are you a glam gym bunny or a practical gym bunny?

I have to say I probably fit into the former category. I like to put a bit of effort in, but I'll only spend 15 minutes getting ready rather than my full 45.

I use a light foundation and conceal anything that needs it, dust a light setting powder down my t zone and pop on some blusher and that's my face done. Then I fill in my eyebrows quickly, sweep an all over shimmery champagne colour on my lid and finish off with mascara. Something like a Revlon Lip Butter is shortcake is great for the lips!

When it comes to jewellery and hair, I normally leave whatever earrings in I was last wearing and put my hair up into a chignon. Because my natural hair is thick and short it's much easier than a ponytail for me.

I'm not fussy with my gym clothes, I prefer to go all black, a pair of knee length lycra work out shorts and a black sports cami are my usual choice.Sometimes I put a baggy tee over the top if it's a cold day as it can soon be whipped off when you're mid workout.

Let me know what you go for when you go to the gym, and let me know if you have any workout tips! I always love to try something new <3

Lea

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A great place to eat in Leeds - Oranaise

So I mentioned my parents are coming up to visit me tonight, and we decided to go out for dinner. I was thinking about where to go and decided on Oranaise, which is just down the road from Leeds Uni, towards Headingley. They do Moroccan food, so tajines, tapas, mezze platters and all kinds of yummy foods.

They do great felafel and their bombay potato's are amazing! They also do a great range of teas, so something to appeal to everyone! If you're ever in the vicinity I really recommend it! (They also do takeout, which has to be the healthiest takeaway food I've ever come across!)

Lea

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(Images taken from Oranaise Website)