16 March 2014

SIX FOR SUNDAY


one - the gym
Tuesday night saw my return to the gym. I used to love going to the gym then I branched out and worked out by myself, I'm not sure what I enjoy more. With summer round the coroner who wants to be cramped up in an airless gym? More on my gym trip later...

two - Jamaica Inn
Chosen as my 3rd read of 2014, Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaica Inn is without a doubt one of the most perfectly written novels I've ever read. And I mean ever. Gripping from the get go, this story is just too wonderful. A review to come soon.


three - concussion
So most of this week was spent lying down. I had a bad knock to the end at the gym, went work, felt shit so came home. After a trip to A&E, I have been resting! It isn't fun but as long as my dizzy, fuzzy head stays away then I will be happy. Conclusion, concussion is a weird weird thing! Between naps, YouTube videos and episodes of Suits I've tried to wiggle in some blog post planning. 

four - vintage fair
This afternoon was a bit of a time travel experience, myself and some chums headed to a vintage fair in Edinburgh. After being attracted to every other sparkly, jeweled thing in sight I opted to part ways with my cash for a gorgeous black evening top that I plan to wear to my cousins wedding in April. Razzle Dazzle them and all that! 

five - Monki
While resting and recuperating, the delivery man appeared at my flat door with a lovely little Monki order. My first time with the brand everything went smoothly. I bought a blouse and a tee both of which I am sadly returning due to not being 100% sure on them. If you aren't sure, chances are you won't wear them but I think in the future I will be purchasing more from Monki - they seem to be the Queens of printed blouse, dresses with details that are just a little bit different and affordable basics. 

six - Jeux d'enfants 
Love me if you Dare a French film (with english sub titles) starring Marion Cotillard and Gulliaume Canet. Cotillard is my favourite actress so I figured this film would be a nice way to spend my Thursday night, don't get me wrong it was. Little bit of romance, playful flirtatious bickering but a disappointing ending. There is nothing worse than a let down of an ending!


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15 March 2014

LIFE / INTROVERT


As a self confessed introvert, I think,  people sometimes misunderstand what an introvert is and that introverts come in all forms. I suppose as with everything in life, there are many shapes and sizes. So I figured, I would put my 2 cents in on the topic.




Being an introvert has a lot of negative stigmas that go along with the label but just because you enjoy some time to yourself or conversation that is meaningful rather than passing the time of day with a person, what is so wrong with that?

Oxford Dictionary Definition of an introvert:

introvert
Line breaks: intro|vert
____________________________________
NOUN

1. A shy, reticent person

1.1 Psychology A person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things. Compare with extrovert.

To an extent, I would agree with this definition. Shy, I think, is a word pasted onto all introverts when in fact this doesn't apply to all of us. Personally, being shy or quiet is normal until I am comfortable around that person. Once I'm comfortable you will probably find it incredibly difficult to shut me up!  I love chatter and finding out about people - tip to getting to know people, ask questions! - you just have to give me time to relax into your company. I'm sure there are other 'introverts' that feel the same, just because I am being quiet doesn't mean that I don't want to be there or feel part of the activities. Listening and observing are traits I hold in high regard. Would you really spend a lot of time talking with someone that just doesn't listen to what you say? 

One place where I actually found a definition that I found to be accurate was Urban Dictionary of all places. Not exactly the place you turn to for a sensible definition. I like going out with friends whether it be  nights out, shopping, the pictures, dinner... the list goes on but after spending a long time with people, I just like to chill by myself and re-group. My imagination is a vivid one and sometimes I like to go wandering in it and then come back to earth when I feel recharged. What's so bad about that?! 

Are you an introvert? Do you feel tared by the same brush? While researching introverts, I came across this little quiz on the Guardian website. Go do it if you have a free minute, everyone loves a quiz, right? 



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14 March 2014

STYLE / C R U SH / 35

LAURA JACKSON




Laura Jackson was an unknown to me until I stumbled upon her wardrobe tour video a couple of Sundays ago. To be honest, she still kind of is an unknown - I know she is a presenter and featured in the Tia Maria adverts but apart from that I'm a tad clueless. I digress, Ms Jackson has some good style. She mixes vintage with current and textures with details. Pieces are different without being overly 'in style' or obnoxious. Plus she has a perfect balance between designer, vintage designer and high street.

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12 March 2014

Fashion / Stripes


Another outfit post. I think I've got back into the swing of outfit posts once more. This time, a simple Sunday outfit. I will say before I went out I switched out my H&M pointed toe shoes for my New Look boots - featured here - as the weather was miserable. Wet feet are never fun. I love breton striped tees and am seeking a red and whtie striped one. Oo La La! Worn with black H&M jeans that have sadly gone baggy at the knee so I won't be buying these again... Chuck in an Oasis leather jacket and a Topshop doctors bag from many moons ago and we are set.

If you haven't already, why not go check out erratic glamour on YouTube!



11 March 2014

10 March 2014

L I F E : F I T - T I M E


Following a stint away from working out regularly - and properly- I have re joined the haven that is the gym. Basically since moving flat, getting a full time desk job and being time poor due to this I feel sluggish and like I've gained a few pounds that just don't work for me. As the old cliche goes, "eat well and exercise the weight will take care of itself" They go hand in hand!



This said, I am identified some bad eating habits that I've adopted as of late which I need to break.

  • Eating due to boredom. Picking, nibbling, munching... the lot. If you aren't hungry - DON'T EAT. Instead do some sit ups, plans for 30s, get a glass of water. Just do something other than eating because I am bored.
  • Carb Overloading. Before my workout lull, I ate little carbs. If I did so, it was complex carbs such as sweet potato. No pasta, no bread... you catch my drift. Instead of carbs fruit & veg with lean protein.  
  • Sweet Treats. I am not a massive fan of sweets or chocolate, I eat them very rarely but the temptation in an office is always there. Sweets and chocolates getting passed round. Pastries delivered on a Friday. Just no. They aren't worth it especially when you don't enjoy it.  

Hopefully with a mix of healthy eating, exercise and a positive attitude I'll be back to my A Game before summer. 

9 March 2014

SIX / FOR / SUNDAY

*Picture courtesy of Pinterest

One - Ebay
 As this the past week rolled on, Ebay seemed to play quite a chunk in not only my internet search history but as a method of fashion acquisition.  I have never properly dipped my toe in the Ebay pond fully, I've dabbled but this week - they haven't arrived yet so they could be a total waste of money - I in specific with my search terms and sought out some Zara goodies. Hopefully when they come they a. fit b. aren't in terrible condition. Both are my size and if they are utterly awful quality shouldn't be up for sale really... watch this space. What is your best ebay buy?

Two - charity shops
Saturday was a day spent wandering down through the charity shops of Morningside into Brunstfield before eventually ending in the Old Town. I didn't buy anything because to be honest nothing really grabbed me so there wasn't any point buying anything! I love charity shops for books and nik-naks for around my room. You can find one off pieces that you know everyone won't end up picking up when they pop into Ikea. The day ended with a slice of gateau from Patisserie Valerie. Perfect.

Three - Gabrielle Aplin
Prior to being introduced to Gabrielle Aplin a few months ago, I had never heard of her! Yesterday while getting ready for the above mentioned trip, I listened to her album. It is perfection. So beautifully sung with songs that don't irritate or are full of meaninglessness lyrics (this is a recurring theme.) Seriously beautiful, easy listening music.

Four - 37 Days to War
A three part drama series on the good ol' beeb this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Documentaries, historical dramas ... you name it, I love it. 37 Days to War looks at the behind the scenes story of the final weeks before the out break of The First World War. Although being British and obviously attending a British State School, I never learned much to anything on WW1. History lessons tended to focus on the Second World War leaving the first in it's shadow so with a natural curiosity for history and it being the centenary this year, I figured it would be worthwhile to gain a little bit of knowledge on an event which had a huge impact on the world. If this sounds like something you would be interested in GO WATCH! It is a wonderful piece of television.

Five - Going back to brown
One a more self centered - and probably pointless - note, after a couple of weeks living as a red head of sorts the time has come to go back to brown. I love red hair but the washing out stage is not fun and being close-ish to my natural hair colour is an easier option for me. Brown hair dye has been purchased now it just needs to be slapped on my head!

Six -erratic glamour make over
Currently erratic glamour is going through a little bit of a make over. Every now and then, the fancy takes me to re-do bits, it just keeps things fresh and interesting. Plus I love playing about with different aspects. Stay tuned for more changes coming soon!