Life: Six for Sunday

                           

                                                Charlotte Square- Edinburgh 

1. 2014 was brought in quietly - very quietly actually as I was asleep long before midnight - but due to a rather nasty infection going out and seeing the New Year in with my friends just wasn't going to happen. Instead I spent New Years Day with my parents, dog and my book! It was actually really lovely. 

2. Edinburgh has adopted me. I came here 4, nearly 5 years ago for University, and fell in love. To the extent that I stayed. My little Instagram snap of the Christmas tree in Charlotte Square is a fitting tribute to the beautiful city.

3. Erratic Glamour had herself a little make over this morning. Something about the old layout, I just didn't like so I re-did. New Year and all! 

4. My flatmate and I have decided to jazz up our living room a bit. Purely for the fact it is a bit plain. A few personal touches here and there to make it a bit more homely will pull it all together and I think probably make us want to spent most of our time in there. Ikea we're coming for you. 

5. Being a Jane Austen fan of course when I caught wind of the newest take on Pride and Prejudice I would have to snapple it up. And I did. Longbourn by Jo Baker is the 'behind the scenes' story if you like. It details the daily occurrences of the Servants while Lizzie is upstairs swooning over Darcy. So far I have been totally sucked in. 

6. Sherlock has returned to our screens *fan girl screams* I am a massive Sherlock fan. Every form of the man. Stories, films, TV programmes... The BBC adaptation is one of my favourites. Benedict Cumberbatch is just so good. Don't contact me from 8.30pm till 10pm tonight... episode 2 shall be getting devoured. 

Happy Sunday! 

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Book Review: Lunch In Paris

Whilst pottering about on Amazon, as you do, I came across 'Lunch in Paris' by Elizabeth Bard. I was initially attracted to this novel due to it's setting being Paris - I love Paris -  then quickly realised that food featured heavily alongside the perfect backdrop. A couple of clicks & Lunch in Paris was on it's way to me.

Initial Thoughts

From the get-go this book is romantic. So very romantic. For a dreamer, this book is perfect to get lost in and is based on real events. *sigh*

The plot is developed based around the meals the pair share together as they get to know each other and their relationship develops. For select meals, the recipe features at the end of the chapter which is a nice idea which I also enjoyed in 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg.

        "He inverted the pan, shook it from side to side, and out of the ninety-nine-cent pot came a dessert fit  for Louis XIV, a perfectly moulded apricot Charlotte, each ladyfinger standing to attention, held together by a layer of cream and studded with slices of fruit."

So far, I am really enjoying Lunch in Paris. It isn't overly difficult to read without being seriously dumb-ed down. The characters haven't presented any opportunity to get on my nerves so far and I am just enjoying the food, romance and most of all Paris! The predictability is low with in this story possibly due to the events being real life meaning there are no cheesy cliches that sometimes feature in fiction of this nature.

Finished the book

On finishing this book, I instantly opened my laptop & searched Paris on Pinterest which resulted in a pinning marathon!  'Lunch in Paris' is beautifully written, mixing details about the authors life and events with observations of French life & culture seamlessly. To begin with, I always read the recipes at the end of the chapters but towards the end the chose not to instead choosing to skim them. I figured if I wanted a knew recipe I can come back to them.

         "One pragmatic 10 does not a social circle make, so I finally agreed to do what I'd been       dreading and began exploring the more formalized American expat community." 

Everything about this book was so perfect. If you enjoy a light yet not overly simple novel that includes food, romance & Paris then 'Lunch In Paris' is without a doubt for you. A perfect read for a chilly winter day or even for taking on holiday!


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                                                         5 stars out of 5

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Life: 2014 Resolutions.

As far as I am aware, I've never actually set down resolutions for myself in writing or on the internet for that matter! 2014 is just the year to do so. This way I guess I am somewhat accountable for not achieving said resolutions. I also have the ability to look back when 2015 (scary thought) rolls round I can check off what I have and haven't done.

I wanted to make my resolutions as precise as they could be in order to stay focused on them so here goes!

2014 Resolutions 

1. Find a French tutor in Edinburgh and actually learn the language.

2. Gain some experience in digital marketing whether it be in a permanent role or an internship.

3. Develop my knowledge of blogging including photo editing, HTML coding and improving my writing techniques.

4. Improve and expand on erratic glamour. Including posting regularly.

5. Get back to working out at least 3-4 times a week. Making use of the RunKeeper app.

6. Save & go on holiday this year with te girls. 

7. Live in the moment more. Less over thinking and worry more living for now. #yolo

What are your 2014 resolutions? 

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Life: A - Z of 2013

2013 is drawing to a close & before long we will be welcoming in a whole new year of adventures, happenings & changes. As years go, this past year has been an eventful one for myself, many things have gone on which - looking back on - have mostly been good. With this thought in my head, I figured a post looking back over the year & what I've have achieved is fitting so here goes the A to Z of 2013! (minus a few letters...)

Adult - No longer a university student I guess I would now be classes as an adult. *sigh* I miss university life but it was never going to last forever & at the time it was pretty amazing.

 Books - University & Dissertation writing halted my love of reading & buying new books this year, I just didn't have the time. Once I got use to having some free time, my love for literature & the written word has been alighted once more.

Cooking - This year I discovered a love for find ingredients in the cupboard & make something tasty. I love this approach to cooking, you really do surprise yourself with what you can make with what is lying in your cupboard.

Dissertation - The dreaded Honors dissertation took over pretty much all to most of January to March but in the end I had produced a piece of work that I was incredibly proud of & that got me a mark I am happy with! Hard work pays off.

Eyeliner - During the summer I set down my eyeliner adopting a more natural look but of course that wouldn't last & normal eyeliner service was resumed by the Autumn!

Florist - While seeking full time work, I managed to pick up some extra hours at my current work as a Florist. Basically the only part of the job I enjoy is arranging the bouquets... It's a new skill, what can I say!

Graduation - June 2013 saw my Graduation ceremony. Being an individual that isn't overly enthused about situations putting me in the spot light, the over all day was nice & was a proud point in the year for me.

Healthy Outlook - The Spring & Summer was when this passion was at it's greatest height. I fell into a pattern of eating well & working out regularly. I felt amazing. The best I have felt possibly. 2014 is definitely going to see this resurrected, nothing feels as good as healthy feels

iPhone - August 2013. Emma meet iPhone. I am never going back. After Blackberry had a terrible meeting with the toilet a replacement was needed ASAP, centre stage iPhone!

Job Hunting - Proving difficult through out the latter half of the year, my dream job still hasn't presented itself. Sure, I was offered jobs but none of them were really what I wanted nor truly excited me. Hopefully 2014 will bring job in the job department.

K...

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard - Probably one of my favourite, if not my favourite book, that I have read in 2013. It involved everything I love; Paris, food, romance all merged together in a beautiful story that truly set the dreamer in me into a day dreaming frenzy!

Moving - University was finished. Students we were not therefore a student flat is no longer open to us. Myself & my roomie, Emma said farewell to our home of 2 years in the City Centre & took ourselves off to a gorgeous, more mature flat located in Morningside.

New Posion - Slightly cheating with this one ...but Gin was sampled this year & has become my drink of choice over vodders. Who would have thought I would give up that tipple for a new one!

Over weight or under weight - Growing up I was never happy with my weight but this year I've developed a healthy outlook to weight & have stopped obsessing about it as much. I want to be fit & healthy not a bag of  bones!

Pixie cut, no more - March 2013 was the month I decided I had had enough of my pixie cut for now & began the painfully slow & irritating process of growing it. Now 9 months on, it is getting there but it still has a little way to go before I get my messy, wavy bob I've barked on about for months...

Q...

Resolutions - Particularly in the past few weeks, I have been thinking of what my resolutions are for the New Year. I have a few ideas flying about in my head mostly based around job goals, wanting to learn French & wanting to travel more than I did in 2013. Also, to be a little more spontaneous with things, sometimes planning isn't necessary!

Story Writing - Growing up I was always scribbling down little stories & since finishing university this has become a nice little pass time of mine. I forgot how much I loved doing it!

Twenty Four - 2013 saw my 24th Birthday. Crazy times. Two months in I can't actually believe that I am 24!

University - As I've mentioned a few times before, 2013 saw the end of University life. I was sad about this but the time had to come. I am now just excited for what else is to come!

Valerie - Valerie is my mum. The woman is an amazing person who has always been there for me.

Watching - Again a bit of a cheat but February 2013 included a little trip to see Paloma Faith. She was so graceful, beautiful & truly amazing to see live. Next time she tours, I will be there.

X - This year I let go of a lot of horrible things that had gone on in the past. I completely cut people out of my life, no way to contact me & I am so much happier for it. I've moved on. Let the past, be the past.

Yolo - One thing I've realised in 2013 is that YOLO is relevant. I sense a theme for 2014...

Z'all the best for 2014! - Slight cop out but Z is a tricky letter. I hope everyone has an amazing New Year with lots of happy times!

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Beauty: Feeling Fragrant.

Through out my teens fragrances were never something I was drawn to. I was all about make up products, fake tan and hair styles. Recently this has changed, possibly more I have changed?! I am still a massive make up product fiend and do enjoy a hairstyle or two, fake tan not so much anymore. This being said, there was a gap in my product loving subconscious which ultimately resulted in a brief fling with a fragrance being rekindled.

I was given a bottle of Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X for my 21st Birthday from my older brother, a scent I ultimately couldn't get enough of. Following using up my bottle, it didn't occur to me to repurchase. The fragrance itself is beautiful. Very fresh with hints of orange, vanilla, bergamot and mandarin.

Scents need to be light and fresh or we will not get on. Heavy, strong scents lead to migraines for me therefore a light scent is my only option. Classique X is exactly that. I recently repurchased a 100ml bottle from Cheap Smells as I had a little tester of this and when I wore it I got lots of 'Oo don't you smell nice' compliments. Sure sign, it is a good fragrance.

What is your go to fragrance?

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Life: Six for Sunday.

Posts keeping readers up to date with the bloggers daily grind are a favourite read of mine. I feel it gives the blog a little personality & you almost get some what of an insight into what the writer is up to other than blogging about their favourite foundation or their outfit for the day. Of course this got me thinking about how I was going to do this & the cheeky little post of Six for Sunday was born.

Six for Sunday is basically going to be Six things about the week past. Six activities, six things I've learnt, bought, thought... you catch my drift. So here goes!

1. This week it has felt like all I've done is work. Very much looking forward to a little break for three days over Christmas to see my family especially as I've been missing my lovely mum quite a lot today. I actually can't believe how close Christmas is now!

2. Giving Erratic Glamour a little bit of a face lift over the last week and a half has really awoken my love my blogging again. I totally fell out of it the last few months for some reason. Expect more!

3. While chatting to my lovely flatmate this week, we realised just how much has changed in a year, also how big a year 2013 has been for us. This time last year we hadn't even started writing our under graduate dissertations now we have graduated and are basically full blown adults minus the maturity possibly.

4. After getting a little tidy up on my very odd hair shape this week, I cannot wait for my front layers to drop so I can have a little bob on the go. Compared to this time last year - back to reminiscing - my hair has come quite a way.

5. Being a murder mystery super fan, the discovery of The Mentalist this week was definitely a high point. I just cannot get enough. Plus Patrick dresses insanely well and is a looker... No complaints.

6. Not sleeping enough, eating poorly and doing little to no exercise is definitely taking its toll on me. I feel sluggish, emotional and generally blah so this coming week I am trying to improve on all accounts.

Happy Sunday!

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Hair: 37 Week Pixie Update

37 weeks, that is 9 months & 1 week of hair growth.

Following my last update at 29 weeks, my hair has grown quite a lot. I have enough length to pin back the back(!) or put my hair in a tiny pony tail. This way the length doesn't annoy me and I can fake longer hair. I just got my hair tidied up and the weight taken out today as it was starting to look really shapeless and heavy.Personally, leaving my hair to grow as long as possible before getting it cut is the best option I find. I don't have vaults full of money where I can splash out on a haircut every 6 weeks. Sadly.

Last week I put a golden brown dye through my hair purely to cover the greys and for a little change without going for the chop. I quite like the colour against my natural skintone. So that is my 37 week update hopefully soon I will have myself a little bob that will allow me to style in some messy curls.

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