Sunday Summary #68

Its crazy we are nearly halfway through May, my summer holiday is in six weeks! I've embarked on a diet - my first ever! I am hoping to tone up for the beach just so I feel proud of my body. I wouldn't say I dislike it but I would like to be more defined, I'm quite straight except the curve of my boobs and bum, I'd love a waist like Lucy Meck! I am thinking of posting about how I've changed my diet as its made such a difference in just two weeks and I am still treating myself to the odd chocolate bar or Subway. My boyfriend has been away to Brighton this week and on his return last night he said how I'd lost weight which was so uplifting as I felt fatter - where's the logic! Whenever I eat better or exercise more I feel fatter when my boyfriend always says the opposite. I hadn't even mentioned anything to him he hugged me hello and said it and again when he was cuddling me later. So I'm continuing and hoping I'll have enough energy/not be so tired from work to start the 30 Day Shred as I dropped so much weight when I did it before and during that time I ate normally (McDonalds and Dominoes included).

I've had another clearout in my room this week and reorganised my dressing table. I did attempt to find some jewellery for charity but failed. I actually can't remember too much about the past week, I don't think I did anything exciting as I've been working longer hours and watching Hollyoaks on my return home and then the next days episode on E4 and then because I was so shocked at the Texas wedding death I watched all episodes twice haha. I think Hollyoaks really excel at their big storyline events and I had said to my boyfriend who I thought it was, I won't say on here but I was right! I never usually guess things ahead! I was really missing my boyfriend as we aren't apart longer than a weekend and I was so pleased to be back with him. I remember reading years back as a teenager how to keep things fresh in a relationship but after 18 months we are still very much in the "honeymoon" period which I really enjoy. He was feeling slightly tender so we just had cuddles in bed watching The Voice. Its only this year I've really got into it and watched further than the blind auditions. I think its pretty harsh the way they sing together to then be put against each other and then if the loser isn't saved, so cruel. We missed Britains Got Talent completely which is usually good entertainment. The Apprentice started this week too and is so good to watch. The only thing that annoys me is how they really snipe at each other and will do everything in their power to get someone else fired. I definitely have too much of a conscience to be such a bitch to someone.

Today was my boyfriends Grandads 80th birthday party and we went off to the seaside which was amazing as I adore the seaside. We arrived early enough to have a little wander along the seafront before arriving at the venue. We had a three course sit down meal that was simply amazing. The food was exquisite and I love my boyfriends family so much. He has two nieces and two nephews and they are all delightful. It was a lot of fun encouraging the children to eat and then playing games with them while they waited patiently for their ice cream sundaes. My starter was a salad with chicken and bacon and it had avocado in which I've never tried before but I couldn't pick it out and leave it as I felt rude so I ate it and really liked it. I guess its like another texture to a salad. My main was especially requested for me which was salmon and they asked me when I arrived if I'd like a sauce but I find salmon so flavourful anyway I was fine to have it plain. My dessert was tarte tatin which I managed to sneak a photo of - one of the best meals I've ever had. 

I haven't shopped much this week as I've been having such an expensive month due to little things happening when I wanted to be frugal that I held myself back. I guess you never know whats round the corner and unexpected expenses popped up but thats life. 

 Scalloped ribbons £2.99, Bunting triangles £1.99 - WHSmith

I just can't help myself. I think its so easy to wonder in here and find items because they sell so many different things. I wanted these last month but was good and resisted even though I knew I would be back!

 Chapter II Benga - Amazon

I have had this album on pre-order for close to a year. I don't know why it kept being pushed back but the original release date was the start of October last year and I'd completely forgotten about it until I received the email it had been dispatched this week. I'm yet to load it onto my iPod as I have a current obsession with Iggy Azalea and The Great Gatsby soundtrack.

 2 for £10 - WHSmith

I never watched the Richard and Judy book club on TV as it was always during my work hours but for some reason everyone raves about their book choices to this day. I haven't bought one for a while as nothing had caught my eye enough but these two both look amazing. The Tigers in Red Leather is about two cousins that spend their summers at the Tiger House as they grow up and then take their families there but perfection doesn't last. It starts in 1945 which was an even bigger appeal to me. The Light Between Oceans is about a dead man and a crying baby washing up in a boat onto a remote lighthouse keepers island and the decision the couple that live there make. I think I only got this because of the lighthouse but I'm hoping its good. I will probably save the Tigers one for a holiday read as it looks perfect for the beach! Plus the 2 for £10 deal is pretty incredible compared to the supermarkets, maybe they are having to be more competitive to survive.

 Now I may be on a diet  but I still allow myself the odd treat. I don't know anyone else that likes the popcorn in dairy milk but I love it. I'm yet to try the marvellous creations but I've heard good things and they look Wonka inspired.

 Rings £1.50 each - Primark 

I can't resist a sparkly ring and these two were glinting away yesterday so I just had to indulge my inner magpie. I have become more of a dainty ring girl than a big cocktail ring but I loved the almost Swarvoski look to the big one.

 Moustache black ballets £8 - Primark 

I don't own a single pair of black shoes so I decided it was time I got some. I really like the little moustaches on these and they look so cute with skinny jeans which is how I wore them last night.

 I have decided to make a bigger effort to include life photos from my week as I always used to because I'd upload them to Facebook but as a rare Facebooker I stopped. This is my boyfriends cat Flash who was being a baby now his owner was home!

 An example of my lunch at work. This was quite naughty for me as I had some pasta spirals, a yoghurt and some Sunbites in there too. Usually it is just a salad and tuna on the odd day.

 Flash was so happy when we got back from the party and changed into something a little more comfortable for a chat and chill out.

 We were early for our connection to the party so obviously it meant a Costa! My boyfriend got the Tropical cooler which is really nice if you like virgin Pina Coladas! I went for a Peach Lemonade which is DIVINE! His parents went for coffee but I don't drink coffee and hot drinks make me feel like I need a wee so I avoid them as much as a hot chocolate would have been nice.

Beach views and of course the beach huts I covet

 Dessert! 

So that's my week its been quiet but such a lovely weekend has made my week. I also forgot to mention last night I was putting a nail polish away and dropped it. Now whats the problem here you might think except the bottle decided to bounce off a glass bowl, break the neck of the bottle and proceed to spray nail polish EVERYWHERE! It got loads of my hair items, my wardrobe door runner and my carpet. Its not very much fun scrubbing nail polish out of a thick carpet. Acting fast seems to have eliminated most of the damage. 

Hope you've all had good weeks 

Sunday Summary #49

So the best week of the year has been and gone, hope you had a lovely time with your loved ones. I had a wonderful few days, resting and being ridiculously full. I was very pleased with my Christmas presents, now I'm older I don't expect so much from my Mum but she always does well. She got me some stuff I'd really wanted. My boyfriend did well also and got me some lovely surprises. My oldest brother got me a Swarovski crystal duck! I've wanted one for so long but to be honest never thought seriously about getting one. I hadn't even told my Mum I wanted one so he made an excellent choice picking it for me! I nearly died when I opened it. He got me other lovely things too but it was definitely one of the best moments of Christmas Day for me. I now want the rest of the ducks, I have a thing for ducks and have loads of rubber ducks in my bathroom and my brother also got me china union jack one too. I was so full from my Christmas Day lunch I didn't eat another bite all day, I can't eat as much as I used to which is disappointing but probably good for the waistline. I was a bit surprised to find my work trousers felt even looser after Christmas, considering how full I still felt, it was very odd indeed. I didn't get much chocolate this year which is nice as I've still got loads of Easter chocolate, I used to be such a chocoholic and now I don't eat it too often or as much. I'll add some photos of my favourite Christmas presents below as I've enjoyed seeing shorter posts of gifts received.

New Year next and I can't wait to see it in with my boyfriend. Last year he was miles away with friends and I expected him to be away again this year but he is staying home. I really love the thought of opening the New Year with him even if we're just on the sofa! We've got Bucks Fizz, sky lanterns and a DVD to see the New Year in. I'm hoping to watch Michael McIntyre as I've heard its hilarious and there's nothing better than a good comedian. We'll be making wishes when we let our lanterns go and I'm hoping there'll be fireworks nearby :)

I'll be so sad when New Year is over, January can feel like such a drag. Planning lots with my boyfriend and friends to keep me busy and give me nights out to look forward to. Also need to attempt a frugal shopping month as I've treated myself to so many goodies this month. Christmas is always such an expensive month because I always see so much I want besides all the presents I need to buy. I save during the year for Christmas so it isn't too bad an impact on my bank balance but I still feel odd treating myself to so much! I really would like to get a new bag in the New Year and am debating between another Cath Kidston box bag (new shape) and a Pauls Boutique satchel or oversized. If not I'm sure Topshop or Accessorize might come up trumps. I often see nice River Island bags on other girls but when I look I never see one I like.

 My boyfriend got me Mouse :) loved The Amazing Spiderman and needed Gruffalo's Child 

 Minnie Snow Globe from a friend 

I love Russian Dolls and stationery sets so my friend thought this would be perfect for me, the box is really sturdy so once empty I can use it for storage 

Another very me gift! I adore Snow Fairy and Hello Kitty + Liberty Of London = Yes please! 

 The flash hasn't picked up the crystal so well, but if you've seen Swarovski in real life you'll know how incredibly well they catch the light 

Mum got me this frame, I can't wait to put a picture of me and my boyfriend in it!

 I only have a couple of Me To You ornaments but I really wanted this to commemorate this year with the Olympics and just feeling so very British. I love Union Jacks and this will look so iconic in any place

I burst out laughing when I opened this present! Marie is a favourite Disney character of mine and this top is brilliant. I love Marie's fierce face and the words and seems true as my girl cat is very feisty and stubborn sometimes 

I do love Disney and I fell in love with this the moment I saw it. I went back a few days later and they'd sold out. Fortunately my Mum obviously found one somewhere and snapped it up. I only have a couple of Disney Traditions ornaments but I'll never say no to another.  

My boyfriend got me this beautiful snow globe.  

He also got me this, which not only I love because its Disney and Tinkerbell, but it's called "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, HE LOVES ME!" Very appropriate I think :)

So my favourite gifts are very ornament, Disney, sentimental items, I'm all about memories and I know in years to remember who bought them for me will be lovely. I was truly spoilt and I really appreciate gifts that someone has thought long and hard about the type of present I'd like to receive. 

Last night me and my brothers took Mum out for her birthday with my boyfriend and my older brothers girlfriend. We've got such a nice pub up the road from us its perfect to just pop up there. The food is incredible and they have my all time favourite drink - Glitter Bomb - I die. I so wish Goldschlager was more readily available in the UK but alas. I wore my beautiful high top wedges, seriously the best invention EVER. Mum asked me why I was taller than her and I explained and she was like what! I forgot I had "heels" on, they're so comfortable and when I was a little tipsy lady walking home I was fine (even if it was just down the road!). They are quite sturdy so you remain relatively steady on your feet. I was so excited to get back home for Mum to open her presents. Me and my boyfriend got her a limited editon Disney watercolour painting of Snow White, her favourite. Needless to say she was happy with all her gifts and I've got some extra bits for her coming in the post. She loves vanilla and the Body Shop had loads of vanilla products reduced so I added them to my order. Will post my sale bits separately as its not all arrived yet but I haven't bought too much this year because I've found the sales to be a real disappointment. It was my one year anniversary with my boyfriend today and we had such a chilled day at home. I made him bacon sandwiches and scrambled egg for breakfast followed by a three course meal (although we didn't manage dessert as we were so full!). We watched Friends with Benefits again, its very funny with one liners and I love the way Mila and Justin bounce off each other and are so believable in their roles and emotions (which is obviously the sign of good acting!). I truly can't believe it's been a year together officially, it's gone so fast!
Anyway I hope you all have a wonderful time seeing the New Year in.
Hope you've all had great, festive weeks!

Sunday Summary #45

What another mad week! I want to blog much more when I don't have time to do it as opposed to when I have the time, odd how that works. I went to see the Coca Cola truck this week which was special. Ever since I was a child that truck means Christmas is coming and to see it all lit up for real was quite something. I spent Monday and Tuesday after work wrapping my boyfriend's presents as it took me a while. I bought him several bulky items which needed a lot of paper and his Superman cushion I had to make do with two sheets of paper I lined up and sellotaped together. I hate how little paper you get on rolls now, the roll I'd picked was only 2 metres! Wednesday night he met me from work and we had a cosy evening in bed watching I'm A Celeb. Thursday night I spent all night baking him a cake and colouring huge blocks of icing. I made him a Batman cake so it wasn't the easiest choice but I was so pleased with the end result. On Friday I cooked him a three course meal (we didn't manage dessert...too full!) and then I dropped all his presents at his house for today as I was at work Saturday and going straight out with him and friends to our favourite restaurant in town which is a chinese buffet cooked to order. The food is insanely good. Afterwards just me and my boyfriend headed for a late showing of Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. I wasn't expecting much despite good reviews but was blown away. I won't say too much as I don't want to give anything away but its hilarious, heart warming and a delight to watch. Both Bradley and Jennifer are outstanding in their roles and with Jennifer's break through coming from the Hunger Games she's done an excellent job showing how good an actress she is. The second it finished I wanted to go and see it all over again, and the only other film I've seen twice this year is The Amazing Spiderman.
Despite today being my boyfriend's birthday it's been a very typical chilled Sunday affair. We had a random chat at 6am this morning then back to sleep. I got him Lucky Charms for his breakfast as he's been after them all year and then he opened all his presents from me. He was so pleased as I'd gone for a Superman and British theme with Union Jack bedsheets, Superman and London skyline cushions, aftershave, Superman t shirt and lounge bottoms, Superman socks, Superman and Batman coasters...quite a theme. Plus little bits I'd found him. It's made me so much more excited to share Christmas with him and spoil him all over again. He really has shown me how wonderful love can be when you're with the right person.
I haven't shopped too much this week but made a good start on my Christmas presents. I love getting deals and I used a code on my iPhone to get £31 of stuff from The Body Shop for £16 BARGAIN. I'm really struggling for gift ideas this year for friends, all the stuff in the shops looks the same and I've searched markets and independent shops for different things and had no luck. Any ideas please pass my way :)
So excited its December but amazed how quickly this year has flown by. I'm sure someone has their finger on the fast forward button, someone pass me Bernard's Watch ta.

Batman cake! 

Love big cosy jumpers :) £5 in Primark

Owl pjs, I need. 

Welly sock/inserts and more Panda gloves :) 

Christmas diffuser oil

pjs

owl scarf

Mum seems to get me some type of lights for my room every year in the run up to Christmas, once I've found these a home I'll post a photo :)

I got this free with More magazine last week, and it looks a really pretty colour. It's called Raspberry Crush and as the picture shows its a true raspberry pink 

Just had a nightmare with Blogger/Google/Picasa telling me I've gone over my storage quota and I have to pay to upload any more photos, otherwise there would be more here. Does anyone have any ways round this? Or an alternative way of using Blogger and photo program? So annoying! 

Hope you've all had good weeks 

Sunday Summary #44

It's been a mad week but full of great times. I went to Norwich to see Netsky on Monday night. It was very close to a full on rave, I forget how crazy students are at gigs! Ayah Marar was Netsky's warm up and she has such an amazing voice, especially live. I've been to so many gigs and so many acts are such a disappointment live. She's probably better known for featuring on tracks but I think she is about to burst onto the scene and be recognised as an artist in her own right.
The next three evenings were spent following a strict to-do list as I couldn't forget anything. Could be the one and only time I've ever done an entire list! On Friday I was up early to train down to London. Had the best day with my Mum at the Christmas market near Embankment followed by shopping in Covent Garden, Chinatown, Leicester Square, 10 minutes in Piccadily Square and more shopping along Regent Street and Oxford Street while seeing the Christmas lights. They're sponsored by Marmite so Marmite themed and pretty cool. I got loads of pictures on my bridge camera which I'm putting in a separate post along with all my shopping. My plan was to upload to Instagram but my phone went to 10% battery at 3pm which I was really annoyed about. I was at a 50th birthday party last night which was a lot of fun. I was quite drunk on a drink and a half (!), lost my voice I shouted so much over music and laddered the back of my favourite tights sitting on some rough wood, luckily they were skin tone so I don't think anyone noticed except me!
It's my boyfriend's birthday next week which I really need to get in order for, I've hidden all his presents in my Mum's room and for Christmas too, so I need to decide what's for when and getting wrapping. I'm taking him out Friday, then Sunday which is his birthday his brother is coming down with his family. I can't believe it's almost here already, this year has flown by. I actually only have three pictures for this post as I haven't done any shopping except in London which I'm doing during the week as I need to photograph it all and import it.

My boyfriend made me a hot chocolate with hot milk, cream and marshmallows this morning...amazing! So that's my week, not much to say. I really must crack on with my Christmas shopping though, my family haven't asked for anything so unless they do I need to think of something myself. I'm so fussy and a perfectionist so its not that easy.
Hope you've all had good weeks

Instagram #4 October

Can't believe this is my fourth Instagram blog post! It was a bit rocky in the early days with my iPhone as I struggled like mad to adjust to it after my BlackBerry but I got there in the end. I LOVE Instagram. I check it regularly like I do Facebook and Twitter. Here's my October Instagrams :)

 Models Own sale :) Fave pj shorts 

 Vintage 1990s me to you card. Models Own Wonderland picks 

 Teddy bear bread. Random shop with my boyfriend. 

 Shots at my littlest brother's 18th family meal out! GOLDSCHLAGER!

 Birthday cake by my Mum. Hair station - need more storage! 

 Sleeping in plaits for wavy hair. Cosy winter socks. 

 Cosmo, painting my nails and chill time. Best Shakeaway!

 Blue. Can't resist Boots 3 for 2. 

 Bow for our Christening present. Travelling home makes me sleepy. 

 Red lips. Not sure I like Chelsea boots with skinnies. 

 Buddha. All my favourites. 

 Models Own Utopia and Northern Lights. Pub sunset. 

 Finally saw this! How much longer my boyfriend's leg is!

 Radiator love. Finally watched Breaking Dawn!

 Autumn leaves. Halloween window. 

 Much nicer than I expected. Best lunch. 

 New MAC looks so pretty. Mine & boyfriend's pumpkin. 

 My boyfriend bought me a hot chocolate at the train station <3 cath="cath" kidston="kidston" nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

 Autumn. Can't wait! 

 Beautiful. Yay. 

 Christmas window. Yum, can't wait. 

My Instagram name is dolliegirl7, leave me yours so I can follow you :)