Be inspired and love your life!
If you want more inspiration, head over to my Pinterest (source of images).
Happy hump day everyone, keep going!
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Monday 28 October 2013
Who am I?
Recently I have started therapy once again and it has definitely been a better experience than last time. The therapy is a Humanistic approach and involves lots of talking with a great focus on me. This is not easy. But, talking is exactly what I need right now. A safe environment where I can truly share my thoughts, feelings and worries without fear of being a burden or being stupid.
It has raised a number of questions for me and made me think about the whole process. My previous session I discussed the frustration that I wasn't 'me' anymore. My therapist and I discussed the fact that I should not compare myself and start to accept what is happening and who I am right now. We began to explore the type of person I am and how this would change.
When I get through this, I will be changed. It is bound to happen, after all we evolve constantly. However, this time it is more forced. Everything happens for a reason, and this may be in a cruel way, but it is showing me something. There are aspects of my personality, which I accept, that can lead to my anxiety and depression. These are the things which I know will, and should, change after this.
So, 'Who am I?' What type of person will I become when I make it through the other side of this? I am not sure but I am definitely working on this.
Do you feel like you are still finding yourself?
Find Me
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
It has raised a number of questions for me and made me think about the whole process. My previous session I discussed the frustration that I wasn't 'me' anymore. My therapist and I discussed the fact that I should not compare myself and start to accept what is happening and who I am right now. We began to explore the type of person I am and how this would change.
 |
| [Source] |
So, 'Who am I?' What type of person will I become when I make it through the other side of this? I am not sure but I am definitely working on this.
Sunday 27 October 2013
Sunday Songs
By the time this is posted I will, hopefully, be living it up in NYC. So I wanted to share some songs which will have gotten me through my travel which is something which I am not looking forward to. I am overly anxious and my therapist has discussed strategies to support my travel. Also, my doctor has prescribed me Diazepam (Valium) in a small dose to help and also to keep me calm if I have a panic attack while away. This is not the the best time to be going to another country but the city I love is NYC and this will hopefully be a positive visit for me.
Find Me
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
What songs are making your Sunday?
Saturday 26 October 2013
NYC bound!
This is it folks... by the time this posts I should be well on my way to NYC via Toronto?! Don't ask! To say I am feeling anxious is an understatement. It will not be an easy journey alone but I know my fabulous BFF - Miss Faux Fur - will be waiting for me! Also, I have travelled Australia, America and Canada alone so this should be a breeze. Just the little issues of depression and anxiety to deal with but I well medicated! I look forward to sharing my times when I return!
Follow me to keep updated with my travels:
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
 | ||
| I heart NYC! |
Friday 25 October 2013
Meet Mar!
It has been a long week but you've all made it! Today I have a special post from my sidebar sponsor, the lovely Mar from to&fro. She loves hockey (her husband is a pretty great player) and travel so what is there not to like? Enjoy getting to know her and show her some love!
Hi, my name is Mar and I can be found over at t.o. & fro. I am excited to be taking over Missy's blog today!!
I started this blog back in 2010 when an unexpected move took us over 4000 miles from home in Toronto to the land of the midnight sun, Alaska! It was a great way to journal our adventures, as well as keep in touch with family and friends back home. Alaska immediately stole our hearts, giving us both opportunities we had never imagined and allowing us to meet some incredible life-long friends in the process. We were absolutely meant for that place, but, like all good things, it had to come to an end and we decided it was time for the next adventure. So now we are back in Toronto, surrounded by family and friends, and continuing to pursue our dreams.
So there you have it friends, a glimpse at my life in a [tiny] nutshell. To learn more about how we met and our adventures, pop on over and say hi! I look forward to being friends!
Find Mar:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi, my name is Mar and I can be found over at t.o. & fro. I am excited to be taking over Missy's blog today!!
I started this blog back in 2010 when an unexpected move took us over 4000 miles from home in Toronto to the land of the midnight sun, Alaska! It was a great way to journal our adventures, as well as keep in touch with family and friends back home. Alaska immediately stole our hearts, giving us both opportunities we had never imagined and allowing us to meet some incredible life-long friends in the process. We were absolutely meant for that place, but, like all good things, it had to come to an end and we decided it was time for the next adventure. So now we are back in Toronto, surrounded by family and friends, and continuing to pursue our dreams.
4 fun facts about me:
+ I work as an educator/animal handler at an aquarium.
+ I'm a total animal lover and have worked numerous animals including dolphins, walruses, birds and fox.
+ I love photography, camping, hiking, fishing and anything that involves being outside.
+ I recently got married!
On top of being an educator/animal handler by day, I am also my professional hockey-playing husband's #1 fan by day, night and weekend. Living the hockey life is something I don't talk about often, because let's face it, when the words "professional", "hockey" and "player" come out, it usually trumps everything else, and there is so much more to us and our relationship than just hockey. You can say our life is a pretty crazy one and we definitely don't have your typical Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 kind of gigs, but we're both doing what we love to do, in a place we call home, and wouldn't change it for a thing!
On top of being an educator/animal handler by day, I am also my professional hockey-playing husband's #1 fan by day, night and weekend. Living the hockey life is something I don't talk about often, because let's face it, when the words "professional", "hockey" and "player" come out, it usually trumps everything else, and there is so much more to us and our relationship than just hockey. You can say our life is a pretty crazy one and we definitely don't have your typical Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 kind of gigs, but we're both doing what we love to do, in a place we call home, and wouldn't change it for a thing!
So there you have it friends, a glimpse at my life in a [tiny] nutshell. To learn more about how we met and our adventures, pop on over and say hi! I look forward to being friends!
Find Mar:
t.o. & fro | Bloglovin | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
___________________________________________________________________
If you would like to be a sidebar sponsor feel free to contact me:
takeallchances@gmail.com
Find Me
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
I'm packing to get my ass to NYC tomorrow so another song to get me in the NYC frame of mind:
Lana Del Rey - Chelsea Hotel No 2
Linking with Whitney
___________________________________________________________________
If you would like to be a sidebar sponsor feel free to contact me:
takeallchances@gmail.com
Friday 18 October 2013
Fan Friday - NYR Henrik Lundqvist
First off, I am going to work REALLY hard to not make this post sound like a fan girl post. I can't say it won't happen, so don't judge me! I'm linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday and decided to write about a sport's star who is a favourite of mine. I have a few but it won't surprise you that I chose a hockey player.
Not just any hockey player, a New York Rangers player. My favourite on the team (along with many, many others) is none other than Henrik Lundqvist. Why? Well let's see:
1] He's a goalie.
Since liking hockey I have always admired the goalies, from their warm up routines, the pressure they face being on the ice the whole game, the concentration they must have and their acrobatic skills to pull off some saves! Also, without meaning to, I dated a hockey goalie (French Canadian ladies - woo woo) who played for my local team and without realising, they became my weakness. Now when I see a hockey goalie skate out I can't help but swoon a little. I am sorry I have just undone all my good work of being a 'real' hockey fan! I'm not sorry!
2] Charity
Henrik supports charities and works closely with the Garden of Dreams foundation. Not only does he host various charity events, give items to auction, but he also donates profits from his clothing line to the charity.
3] Style
What can I say? This man has style and lots of it. He seems to be able to wear anything and everything and still look good. He knows how to pull off a suit, and let's be honest, a man in a suit is always a good thing!
4] Skill
He's an amazing goalkeeper. He holds a number of records and has won and been nominated for a variety of awards. In 2012 he won the Vezina Trophy ( this is awarded to the NHL's best goalkeeper) and he's also been nominated for this 5 years! As for Rangers awards, he was awarded MVP 7 years in a row. That's pretty impressive if you ask me. There's a reason he's earned the nickname The King!
Who is your favourite sport's star?
Find Me
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
Not just any hockey player, a New York Rangers player. My favourite on the team (along with many, many others) is none other than Henrik Lundqvist. Why? Well let's see:
1] He's a goalie.
Since liking hockey I have always admired the goalies, from their warm up routines, the pressure they face being on the ice the whole game, the concentration they must have and their acrobatic skills to pull off some saves! Also, without meaning to, I dated a hockey goalie (French Canadian ladies - woo woo) who played for my local team and without realising, they became my weakness. Now when I see a hockey goalie skate out I can't help but swoon a little. I am sorry I have just undone all my good work of being a 'real' hockey fan! I'm not sorry!
 |
| [Source] |
2] Charity
Henrik supports charities and works closely with the Garden of Dreams foundation. Not only does he host various charity events, give items to auction, but he also donates profits from his clothing line to the charity.
 |
| Casino Charity Night -L-R Boyle, Lundqvist, Giradi and Richards [Source] |
3] Style
What can I say? This man has style and lots of it. He seems to be able to wear anything and everything and still look good. He knows how to pull off a suit, and let's be honest, a man in a suit is always a good thing!
 |
| [Source] |
4] Skill
He's an amazing goalkeeper. He holds a number of records and has won and been nominated for a variety of awards. In 2012 he won the Vezina Trophy ( this is awarded to the NHL's best goalkeeper) and he's also been nominated for this 5 years! As for Rangers awards, he was awarded MVP 7 years in a row. That's pretty impressive if you ask me. There's a reason he's earned the nickname The King!
 |
| [Source] Linking with Whitney! |
Who is your favourite sport's star?
Tuesday 15 October 2013
Depression and medication - time for change.
It's that time again, time for me to be Miss Honest. I want to let you all know that this is difficult to be so open and that I struggle with sharing with those closest to me, especially at the moment, but I am hoping that it may be of some help for some of you out there.
I have now been on my anti-depressant medication for just over 4 weeks now. It feels so normal, like I've always woke up, popped a pill and got on with my day. But it's not. After having a 'moment' at work where everything was just too much my doctor signed me off work. It was something I have fought since February, all this time I have avoided it and thought I was exhausted but now I accept it. Even my doctor said how stubborn I am, yep that's me alright.
I began taking sertraline, which is an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) medication,which basically works to increase the amount of serotonin in my brain. Serotonin, the happy chemical, is something which I am lacking and it could be caused by a number of issues - most likely due to the stress and heartbreak of last year.
As I said, due to my stubbornness it has taken months to get to this point. When I looked at the side effects of the drug I laughed, yes - out loud, as there were so many it seemed ridiculous. But I trusted me doctor, she's fantastic and I knew I had to start making a change. The first week on the tablets was hell- my anxiety (just another issue for good measure) kicked up a notch or hundred! I was wired but at the same time so, so tired. I felt like I was carrying around weights all day and cold not stop yawning, like those yawns when you have travelled or not slept except I had it from waking to sleep. In fact, yawning was listed as a side effect.
The second week that continued, as the did the shaking. As the day progressed my hands would start to shake more and more. I wouldn't say it was hugely noticeable to others but if I was trying to write or do anything tricky then it was difficult. I was emotional and anxious and I began to wonder if it was worth putting myself through it. The Monday of the 3rd week I went into work and before the kids had even came in I had a panic attack and was in my head teacher's office in floods of tears. She made the decision to send me home and told me to take time off. At the time I was like a child, "No, I'll be fine. I just need a minute. I don't want to go home!" I sobbed. Looking back it was probably one of my lowest points and deep down I knew, I knew I needed time but I fought it. I did not want to give up, thanks to such an amazing head teacher and doctor I realised that it was not giving up. It was making a positive step in the right direction.
Without the stress and anxiety of work I began to relax a bit more. As I worked through my 3rd and 4th week I began to see the slightest of improvements. The most annoying thing is that my sleeping pattern just went crazy and I was suffering insomnia. So I got back to my nytol the past couple nights just to get back into a pattern. This is now my 5th week and I have upped from 50mg to 100mg. I anticipated some problems and I have upped quite soon because I don't want to deal with the problems while I am away. However, it seems like the only side effect I have back is the shaking and now an annoying, lingering headache. It could be worse.
I am beginning to feel a little more clear headed and less emotional which is great. I am still struggling with the motivation and when I over think my anxiety hits me like a wave. Anything which worries me or is not expected makes me worked up and trying to calm myself is something which I will be working on for the future.
All in all, I am pleased I have persevered as I think this will be good for me. I am aware that there is still a stigma which comes with the words 'depression' and 'anti-depressants', so much so that I haven't told many people at all what I am going through - although that's not the only reason. My doctor said that most people don 't get through two weeks on these tablets, let alone work for the first two weeks so I think I'm doing pretty good. One day at a time.
Contact Me
twitter/bloglovin/pinterest/instagram
I have now been on my anti-depressant medication for just over 4 weeks now. It feels so normal, like I've always woke up, popped a pill and got on with my day. But it's not. After having a 'moment' at work where everything was just too much my doctor signed me off work. It was something I have fought since February, all this time I have avoided it and thought I was exhausted but now I accept it. Even my doctor said how stubborn I am, yep that's me alright.
I began taking sertraline, which is an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) medication,which basically works to increase the amount of serotonin in my brain. Serotonin, the happy chemical, is something which I am lacking and it could be caused by a number of issues - most likely due to the stress and heartbreak of last year.
As I said, due to my stubbornness it has taken months to get to this point. When I looked at the side effects of the drug I laughed, yes - out loud, as there were so many it seemed ridiculous. But I trusted me doctor, she's fantastic and I knew I had to start making a change. The first week on the tablets was hell- my anxiety (just another issue for good measure) kicked up a notch or hundred! I was wired but at the same time so, so tired. I felt like I was carrying around weights all day and cold not stop yawning, like those yawns when you have travelled or not slept except I had it from waking to sleep. In fact, yawning was listed as a side effect.
 |
| If only! [Source] |
The second week that continued, as the did the shaking. As the day progressed my hands would start to shake more and more. I wouldn't say it was hugely noticeable to others but if I was trying to write or do anything tricky then it was difficult. I was emotional and anxious and I began to wonder if it was worth putting myself through it. The Monday of the 3rd week I went into work and before the kids had even came in I had a panic attack and was in my head teacher's office in floods of tears. She made the decision to send me home and told me to take time off. At the time I was like a child, "No, I'll be fine. I just need a minute. I don't want to go home!" I sobbed. Looking back it was probably one of my lowest points and deep down I knew, I knew I needed time but I fought it. I did not want to give up, thanks to such an amazing head teacher and doctor I realised that it was not giving up. It was making a positive step in the right direction.
 |
| Do it for you, no one else [Source] |
Without the stress and anxiety of work I began to relax a bit more. As I worked through my 3rd and 4th week I began to see the slightest of improvements. The most annoying thing is that my sleeping pattern just went crazy and I was suffering insomnia. So I got back to my nytol the past couple nights just to get back into a pattern. This is now my 5th week and I have upped from 50mg to 100mg. I anticipated some problems and I have upped quite soon because I don't want to deal with the problems while I am away. However, it seems like the only side effect I have back is the shaking and now an annoying, lingering headache. It could be worse.
I am beginning to feel a little more clear headed and less emotional which is great. I am still struggling with the motivation and when I over think my anxiety hits me like a wave. Anything which worries me or is not expected makes me worked up and trying to calm myself is something which I will be working on for the future.
All in all, I am pleased I have persevered as I think this will be good for me. I am aware that there is still a stigma which comes with the words 'depression' and 'anti-depressants', so much so that I haven't told many people at all what I am going through - although that's not the only reason. My doctor said that most people don 't get through two weeks on these tablets, let alone work for the first two weeks so I think I'm doing pretty good. One day at a time.
 |
| You are lovely. [Source] |
Keep positive even when things get tough, show those around you love today.
Sunday 13 October 2013
Sunday Songs
Today the weather is once again reminding me that summer is gone and that fall is upon me. I decided, while sitting earing my breakfast, that today was going to be a house day. I didn't fancy going out into the cold and wind and rain. I set to organising and sorting my wardrobe. I have neglected it as of late and it was all a bit mixed up, which stressed me out every time I looked at it. So I put my spotify on and thought I'd share some of the songs which got me through the 'wardrobe organisiation'.
Fink - Perfect Darkness
Fink - Perfect Darkness
Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball
Maroon 5 - Daylight
Friday 11 October 2013
Friday Favourites
[One] Favourite Show
I am late to the party and just started watching Breaking Bad. I am addicted to the show. In the UK it was not really shown so I am working my way through the DVD's. Currently I have worked my way to Series 4. I am working away and I love it!
[Two] Chocolate
This could be on my list every week but I am adding it anyway. It has been keeping me sane this week when I have lost appetite for anything else.
[Three] Friends
I have some great friends who have really been there to support me the past few weeks. They're accepting me for who I am and comforting me when I need it the most.
[Four] Pinterest
As I have some time on my hands, ahem, I have been loving some Pinterest fun!
[Five] Fall colours
I am not the biggest fan of the colder weather approaching but I do love the colours which Fall brings.
I am late to the party and just started watching Breaking Bad. I am addicted to the show. In the UK it was not really shown so I am working my way through the DVD's. Currently I have worked my way to Series 4. I am working away and I love it!
 |
| Didn't take long too long to work through these. |
[Two] Chocolate
This could be on my list every week but I am adding it anyway. It has been keeping me sane this week when I have lost appetite for anything else.
[Three] Friends
I have some great friends who have really been there to support me the past few weeks. They're accepting me for who I am and comforting me when I need it the most.
 |
| [Source] |
[Four] Pinterest
As I have some time on my hands, ahem, I have been loving some Pinterest fun!
 |
| [Source] |
[Five] Fall colours
I am not the biggest fan of the colder weather approaching but I do love the colours which Fall brings.
 |
| [Source] |
Wednesday 9 October 2013
Love - don't be a chicken.
 |
| [Source] |
I do this thing, this thing where whenever I start to feel close I push away. It's not big and it's not clever. It certainly does not help my love life! I am not one to use the love word towards people easily. I find it difficult, not only to say it but to open up to people. Currently, I am in a complicated situation with Mr Canada and we're both playing chicken, wondering who will crack first. We are so similar it's painful sometimes. But I am starting to wonder if it's even worth it? I know you have to stick your chin out and accept it but where does that courage come from? Who helps you with it? It seems my life has been so unstable lately that this connection with him has deepened but we're both scared of it. We're happy but seem so determined to play it down.
When you just want to be honest, how can you give yourself that extra push?
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Good days, bad days and the inbetween.
Taking anti-depressants are exactly how your read about - living hell for the first few weeks. They made everything heightened. My stress and anxiety went through the roof. My hands would shake and appetite totally went. Reading up on the tablets, I seem to have had it easier than others which is definitely lucky! But it didn't make me feel any better about the constant drowsiness I was encountering alongside everything else.
On my good days I wake up and feel ready to tackle the day. I am not saying I am superwoman and ready to buzz about like I used to but I fee like I can deal. I complete small tasks about the house and go out. I am happy, I feel like things are going in the right direction.
Oh, but that's not allowed. Depression and anti-depressants taunt and the next day ... bam! It's a down day. What do my down days look like? Well, I wake early then doze till about 9. Then I lay in bed till 2pm, awake, but just unable to leave my bed. I lie and think of the things I need to and should be doing but I can't move regardless. Then I realise that I must get some food so drag myself out of bed, grab a bowl of cereal then take up residence on the sofa. Now what? Watch TV for an hour, turn it off and sleep until 6pm. Make a cup of tea, grab a quick bite to eat. Watch more TV then go to bed.
 |
| Keep going [Source] |
Then there are the in between days. When I doze till mid-day, get up and potter about the house with the intentions of doing things. Watch TV and don't nap. Make myself a healthy dinner then later have a nice bubble bath. But still I am not able to get up and go out but i am happy with own co0mapny and my head isn't too foggy.
This is now coming up to my 4th week on the tablets and I am not so sure I am seeing much of change but I think that is partly due to how bad they set me back. I am persisting because I know these will help me and allow me to cope and work through my feelings. But my goodness, they sure don't make it easy!
 |
| Maybe I should be using this time to look at changes? [Source] |
Any advice how to stay positive during these tough times?
Monday 7 October 2013
Chocolate Pie Recipe
This weekend I have been working a bit more on my blog and made links with the wonderful Neja. So I would like to introduce my new sidebar sponsor to Take All Chances. Talented Neja writes a blog which is jam packed full of amazing recipes. I am so pleased for her to share such a comfort food recipe for us all today - this would have been perfect for my lazy weekend! Good to have you!
___________________________________________________________________________________
My name is Neja, a Slovenian girl behind the blog You CAN have
your cake and eat it too. I am a girl, who can turn wearing an
apron into something cool. Food is my passion. I love to eat it, talk about it,
photograph it! I cry when the recipe doesn't work! I am a passionate rambler, outloud thinker and a seeker of positive,
beautiful things. I believe you CAN have your cake & eat it too!
The blog: I explore and try out recipes from other blogs, cooking sites and
cooking books. My blog is mainly about food, but that's
not all. I have a category named Neja's Milkshake, where I share my thoughts,
videos, pics from trips and everything that's beautiful and positive.
Chocolate pie
Pie crust:
600g of cookies (oreo, any kind)
100 g butter
Filling:
3/4 dl (75 ml) sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
Pinch of salt
2 large egg yolks
3 1/2 dl (350 ml) milk
100 g dark chocolate (70%), chopped
15 g butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 dl (300 ml) heavy whipping cream
Cocoa powder, for dusting or milk chocolate, grated
The process:
Pie crust:
Heat oven to 150°C (300F). Mix cookies to fine crumbs in a food processor or blender. Melt the butter and mix with cookie crumbs until well combined. Place mixture in a pie dish (approx. 20 cm/8 inches) and press onto the bottom and up the sides. Bake for about 10 minutes then let cool.
Filling:
Whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Lightly whisk together yolks and milk in a bowl and then pour into the saucepan. Put pan over moderate heat and stir until mixtures thickens.
Remove from heat and add chocolate, butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Let cool, stirring every now and then to prevent a skin from forming. Pour filling into prepared pie crust, whip cream and spoon on top of pie. Dust with some cocoa powder and sprinkle grated milk chocolate on top. Put in fridge, for about 4 hours or overnight.
You can find Neja on:
Twitter
Other posts you may like:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 6 October 2013
Change is coming - Fall Fashion
It begins gradually, an extra layer, a pair of gloves, a scarf or colours mixing. Though these changes be small, we all know what's happening. Yep, fall is upon us! As I look out my window I can see the leaves on the trees starting to show the changes.
Personally, I love sunshine and Summer. I love not needing a jacket when I go out. I love feeling the sunshine on my skin. It is definitely my favourite season. But, there's something quite special about Autumn. It's that in between where we still get light and we don't feel so cold we think our skin is going to drop off. One of my favourite things about fall? Probably the fashion.
I wanted to share some of the essential items I will be searching for this fall:
A hat
It covers a bad hair day, keeps the heat in and protects from the gusty wind that swirls around the UK!
I am loving this leopard trim beanie from Accessorize. And only £14 - it's on my list!
A leather skirt
I am still on this trend and still looking for the perfect skirt for me. Pair it with tights, sheer top, skyscraper heels and you have an outfit just for me!
I wouldn't mind this quilted skirt from River Island turning up on my doorstep.
A statement coat
I like to wear coats, which is a good job considering the amount of time I spend in one in good old Britain.
This drape coat from Oasis says Autumn with just one look. Elegant and statement worthy.
Skinnies
No matter the weather, I can not and will not be torn away from my skinnies.
These Rag and Bone skinny jeans are amazing and I love the zip detail!
Cosy Knitwear
Why do I love knitwear? It's oh so comfortable, it's casual but pair it with skinnies and heels and voila - hello night out! Also, it is the best to get layering with.
I love this roll neck jumper from Next. Cosy and warm!
Personally, I love sunshine and Summer. I love not needing a jacket when I go out. I love feeling the sunshine on my skin. It is definitely my favourite season. But, there's something quite special about Autumn. It's that in between where we still get light and we don't feel so cold we think our skin is going to drop off. One of my favourite things about fall? Probably the fashion.
I wanted to share some of the essential items I will be searching for this fall:
A hat
It covers a bad hair day, keeps the heat in and protects from the gusty wind that swirls around the UK!
 |
| Accessorize - £14 [Link] |
I am loving this leopard trim beanie from Accessorize. And only £14 - it's on my list!
A leather skirt
I am still on this trend and still looking for the perfect skirt for me. Pair it with tights, sheer top, skyscraper heels and you have an outfit just for me!
 |
| River Island - £18 [Link] |
I wouldn't mind this quilted skirt from River Island turning up on my doorstep.
A statement coat
I like to wear coats, which is a good job considering the amount of time I spend in one in good old Britain.
 |
| Oasis - £98 [Link] |
This drape coat from Oasis says Autumn with just one look. Elegant and statement worthy.
Skinnies
No matter the weather, I can not and will not be torn away from my skinnies.
 |
| Rag and Bone - $253 [Link] |
These Rag and Bone skinny jeans are amazing and I love the zip detail!
Cosy Knitwear
Why do I love knitwear? It's oh so comfortable, it's casual but pair it with skinnies and heels and voila - hello night out! Also, it is the best to get layering with.
 |
| Next - £32 [Link] |
I love this roll neck jumper from Next. Cosy and warm!
After more ideas? Check out the links below:
Thursday 3 October 2013
Travel Time - NYC
I love travelling, there is something about going to new places which just makes me so happy. I have decided that I wanted to share some of the places I have been and some of the things which I loved doing while there.
I have chosen New York City to start as it's my favourite place to visit and is the place where I will be come end of October for a much needed short break. My thought on NYC is that you either love it or hate it. No one can say, "It's just ok."
So, a bit of a back story on this wonderful city. My love affair began when I was 20 - my brother chose to get married in Central Park. Myself and family made he trip out and when driving into the city I though, "Is this it?" I have to admit I wasn't totally taken, in fact I was slightly scared. This, as you know, did not last long at all. I stayed in the 30/30 (Now known as King and Grove after a short spell as Hotel LoLa). In my days in the city me and my family did the whole sight seeing thing and as I was immersed in the buildings I realised that my initial reaction was changing and changing fast. The big change for me was The Empire State building - this is where I cemented my love with NYC.
What to do in the city?
Madison Square Garden
This has to be another favourite of mine. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge. It is quite a walk so make sure you are well prepared! At midday, you will find office staff out power walking and running. You will also find lots of cyclists so please take note of the correct paths! I've walked into Brooklyn and also down to the area known as DUMBO. This area is where you can look over towards Manhattan and gain super views of the bridge. It also houses Grimaldi's pizza shop which is definitely worth a visit! Make sure to get there early as yes, people do queue.
Bars and Nightlife
Have a head over to Travel Babbles where I am lucky enough to be featured by the fantastic Kym!
I hope you've enjoyed today's little glimpse into NYC - I have a lot more where this comes from for this city. Feel free to contact me with any questions about my travels.
First stop - NYC
So, a bit of a back story on this wonderful city. My love affair began when I was 20 - my brother chose to get married in Central Park. Myself and family made he trip out and when driving into the city I though, "Is this it?" I have to admit I wasn't totally taken, in fact I was slightly scared. This, as you know, did not last long at all. I stayed in the 30/30 (Now known as King and Grove after a short spell as Hotel LoLa). In my days in the city me and my family did the whole sight seeing thing and as I was immersed in the buildings I realised that my initial reaction was changing and changing fast. The big change for me was The Empire State building - this is where I cemented my love with NYC.
Empire State Building
I would advise to pre-book tickets and if possible gain fast track, especially if you're going in the Summer or Christmas time. The views of the city are just unreal so I don' want to spoil it for you. It literally too my breath away when I first looked out. It is definitely somewhere which should be your number 1 site to visit.
If, like me, you're a hockey fan than catching a game at MSG is a must! Unfortunately for me I witnessed a loss but it was still amazing to be a part of. If you are wanting to catch a game, I can't stress enough that you need to pre-book!! If you expect to turn up and buy a ticket a couple days before or game day itself then you will be left extremely disappointed. Also, do not buy from those selling 'tickets' outside and around the venue. The possibility of being ripped off are higher than high. I actually met a couple who had been swindled and believe me, there are better ways to spend a few hundred dollars. If you can't get a ticket? Watching a game in a sports bar is another favourite of mine. You see the game close on big screens, the drinks are flowing and you're in a party atmosphere.
Brooklyn Bridge
This has to be another favourite of mine. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge. It is quite a walk so make sure you are well prepared! At midday, you will find office staff out power walking and running. You will also find lots of cyclists so please take note of the correct paths! I've walked into Brooklyn and also down to the area known as DUMBO. This area is where you can look over towards Manhattan and gain super views of the bridge. It also houses Grimaldi's pizza shop which is definitely worth a visit! Make sure to get there early as yes, people do queue.
Bars and Nightlife
If there is one thing NYC is not short of, it's places to drink and party! I have had some of my best nights out in Manhattan. This includes partying with boys in bands, after hour drinks with my favourite bartenders (friends of mine now), cocktails in a speak easy place as well as many different sports bars. A couple of places you should check out:
Death&Co - A place which takes their cocktails very seriously. If you're a vodka fan, like me, you have no choice as vodka is the spirit they don't use. The place is exclusive and the waiting list can be loooonnnnggggg. It only seats about 50 and you have to get past the doorman but it's cool place to see and I loved it.
230 Fifth - Again, it's an exclusive cocktail bar. You access it by riding a lift to the top of what looks like a business building. You come out into a large bar surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with views of the city. If you take he stairs up you then come out into an outdoor bar with views of the Empire State building and the rest of the city - lights all twinkling. If you're there in Winter? It doesn't matter - you get fetching red robes to keep you warm.
The Flying Puck - This is a hockey bar where the drinks flow and the games go. I love the vibe and met a good friend who worked there. It's a fun atmosphere on game days, normal days maybe not the p[lace to visit for a party.
There are, of course, so many more places but I will save those for another day.
Death&Co - A place which takes their cocktails very seriously. If you're a vodka fan, like me, you have no choice as vodka is the spirit they don't use. The place is exclusive and the waiting list can be loooonnnnggggg. It only seats about 50 and you have to get past the doorman but it's cool place to see and I loved it.
230 Fifth - Again, it's an exclusive cocktail bar. You access it by riding a lift to the top of what looks like a business building. You come out into a large bar surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with views of the city. If you take he stairs up you then come out into an outdoor bar with views of the Empire State building and the rest of the city - lights all twinkling. If you're there in Winter? It doesn't matter - you get fetching red robes to keep you warm.
The Flying Puck - This is a hockey bar where the drinks flow and the games go. I love the vibe and met a good friend who worked there. It's a fun atmosphere on game days, normal days maybe not the p[lace to visit for a party.
There are, of course, so many more places but I will save those for another day.