I was sat at work yesterday morning, checking my emails like usual when I came across something quite peculiar but, at the same time, very intriguing...
The Fat Duck, the renowned restaurant owned and run by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, is launching a unique experience; people who reserve a table at his restaurant will be invited into a virtual world, complete with a fantasy sweet shop.
Starting from next month, diners will be sent an invitation to the make-believe world, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where they can view his menu in a revolutionary way. Heston said he wanted to make his guests excited for their time at the restaurant and so, created this animated sweet shop to showcase his one-of-a-kind dishes which will the be served at The Fat Duck, to build up that "kid in a sweet shop" feeling of anticipation. For more information, you HAVE to watch the video below
I think Heston Blumenthal is absolutely fascinating; my mother always says she doesn't like his television shows "because you can't make what he does", which is true, but the innovation involved in his creations is mind blowing! I think this new venture is brilliant and just shows how much he is thinking about his customers and everything that entails; he is creating a whole new dining experience. I only hope that more companies follow suit!
As I've mentioned a few times now, the last Friday night of the month is when Cleethorpes' 'Zumba in the Club' takes place, and the theme for February was Carnival!
I had been looking forward to this for weeks; zumba-ing in a night club for fun just seems like a perfect combination. Unfortunately I missed the first event (January's) but when I heard that the theme was going to be Carnival for February, I made sure that I was there! There's just something about the word 'carnival' and the thought of one taking place that just puts you in a good mood. Personally, the Latin/Samba inspired party songs are my favourite, so this was just another reason why I had to go!
The biggest challenge though - despite it sounding like fun - was what
to wear? 'Carnival' brings thoughts of ladies in sparkly bikinis with
giant, brightly-coloured feather headdresses (there's no way I'd be
caught dressed like that down Cleethorpes' seafront - especially in
February!) Originally I found this playsuit, which I absolutely loved, but it wasn't right for me sadly, and I had a look online too to see what else I could find, but in the end, I settled for this....
Top: ASOS (old)
Jeans: New Look
Bangles, Hairgrip (right-middle picture) and Earrings (right-bottom picture): New Look
Feathered Headband (used as a wrist band): Primark
Butterfly Ring: A street stall in Tenerife (from seven years ago!)
P.S The image was taken after the event, hence the knackered look!
My top is from ASOS and I bought it about three/four years ago - I felt that the bright colour and ruffle across the shoulder would be great for this fun theme. I really struggled with what to wear on the bottom; I didn't feel like wearing shorts like I had originally planned (too cold!), and I couldn't find a sequin skirt ANYWHERE in Grimsby! So I opted for bright jeans which I knew I would wear again in the summer. Admittedly, this wasn't the comfiest option, but these jeans are 'super-soft', and they really are!
While shopping in New Look, I saw that jewellery was Buy One, Get One Free, and they had plenty of bright, feathered pieces to choose from which was ideal, and then I found a perfect headband from Primark which I used as a wristband. Teamed with a ring I bought while on holiday with my parents in Tenerife when I was 16, my outfit was complete!
Looking back now, I do wish I had 'gone for it' a bit more, but I had left this until last minute and so I was stuck with what the shops of Grimsby had to offer... but I think it worked...
The event itself took place at The Pier, a local night club which has recently been fully refurbished. The people who know this establishment, know that it had a baaaad reputation so I have been reluctant to go in there for fear that it was exactly the same. However, I was genuinely surprised! New carpets and wooden flooring (no more heels sticking to the floor ladies!), new paint, new bar area and new seating! Since this was a special event, I have yet to see what the place is like on a night out, but I am definitely more willing to go in there and give it a try now!
Stretching is very important!
At 6:30pm, 'Zumba in the Club' finally got underway - que the whoops!
Zumba Instructor, Rachel Blood.
"Zumba!"
The event cost £5 and it lasted two hours; definitely worth it! Everybody was pumped, laughing, dancing the night away - and the whole time, you're exercising! What more could you ask for? It was a fab night and I can't wait for next month - the theme is 'West End Musicals! Ideas please?!
P.S. You can view info about Zumba with Rachel on Facebook and see some of her classes on Youtube! The video was sourced from here!
... another year wiser; this is definitely something that I can say is true! I have learned so much over the past year about many things - from all different areas of life - and they are lessons I will keep with me forever. I have to be honest, this has been a year of ups and downs, but the downs have been minor in comparison the amazing ups, and this weekend's festivities were the perfect way to say hello to the age of 23!
My presents: Cath Kidston scrapbook and notebook, Pandora charm, my beautiful top from Lipsy (in the bag!), Benefit moisturiser and perfume, lovely bracelet and earrings, a photo frame and chocolate! Thanks everyone! x
It started on the Friday when I danced the night away at 'Zumba in the Club' - Carnival Night! It was fantastic; the music, the costumes, the atmosphere... I can't wait for next month's event - more info coming tomorrow!
Saturday I was absolutely spoiled; the amazing @ultimatecoddy took me shopping and bought some lovely pieces of clothing for me. I have already worn some of these so keep an eye out for some outfit posts coming soon!
We then attended another girl's birthday party, the one and only Brandy! (@ultimatecoddy's lovely dog.) A birthday party was held in her honour - complete with pass the parcel, a buffet and jelly and ice-cream! - and I also received some lovely presents from the family. Unfortunately I had to leave a little early as I needed to get ready for a good old-fashioned night out with the girls!
Sunday, my actual birthday, was quite relaxed; Coddy and myself went to our local for lunch and then treated ourselves to a car clean (with surprisingly good results!) - rock 'n' roll! But the real treat was in the evening when we went to a local restaurant; the service was great, the little touches like warm plates were there and, most importantly, the food was delicious! I also got to wear my beautiful new art-deco inspired top (which you will see more of in my outfit posts!)
As I said on Friday, I have been quiet recently when it comes to posting but I am going to be back in full swing as from... now! I hope you all had a lovely weekend, whatever you were up to!
Sorry for being a bit slow on the blogging front this week, I really don't know where the past few days have gone?! It seems like only yesterday I was posting about Pinterest and BOOM! Now it's Friday! I have had a lot on my mind lately BUT I will be back to my usual tweeting and blogging self as of next week, I promise!
Influence Floral Tie Playsuit -
New Look £19.99
I have been busy preparing my outfit ready for 'Zumba in the Club' - carnival night! I am so excited about this but it has been such a palaver! I bought this beauty of a playsuit from New Look on Monday; I thought the bright pink and green against the navy fabric was perfect but unfortunately, I found the shorts too baggy on my legs and it didn't look quite like I hoped it would, so it had to go back... It is such a shame too because I would easy wear this in the summer with some bright pink show stopping heels and a green bag to match (it's all about colour blocking, you know!)
So my search continued over several lunch hours, but alas, I have my outfit! As well as keeping the carnival theme in mind, I had to think of the practicalities too, i.e. I need to be able to zumba in what I wear! I will do a post about my ensemble and the event itself in a couple of days time, but here's a little preview...
think bright!
Now, I may be a bit quiet over the next few days as well as this weekend, it is my birthday! I am not really a big 'celebrate-my-birthday' person but I do have lots planned with the girls and @ultimatecoddy so I have lots to look forward to. And I am very excited about my upcoming blog posts too so, as always, keep an eye out for those!
In the meantime, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Lana Del Rey is everywhere at the minute, and it easy to see why with her haunting voice, unique sound and stunning looks.
After releasing mega-successful 'Videogames' in October 2011, she released this beauty of a song; the title track of her new album. I have heard this briefly in the past but Sunday was the first time I listened to it properly - oh, how I wished I'd given it more of a chance earlier, it gives me chills! Now I can't wait to listen to her whole album; I have a feeling it will be Adele's '21' all over again!
If you haven't heard this yet, then where have you been?! Here's my song crush of the moment, 'Born to Doe' by Lana Del Rey.
Apologies for my lack of posts this past week; bingo with mother, goodbye drinks for another colleague, shopping and more bingo and visiting my Nanna and friends have kept me pretty occupied! I have a lot of blog posts to catch up on too but, on the plus side, I have been pinning!
Here's just some of what I have found so far...
Too right!
Shoe Love!
I LOVE looking at the Art Deco Jewellery...
How's this for 'stressed dessert?'
Fashion Loves
Hair & Beauty
For the home
Favourite Places...
On my wishlist...
For the original sources of these pins, and for the rest of my pinboards, follow me on Pinterest!
Out of the whole 14 month life of The LC Issue, this the first time that I have written a post about nails. This is because I seriously neglect them! Although, I don't know why I do? I don't bite them and they seem to grow pretty quickly, I enjoy painting my nails and admiring all the different colours and finishes, but for some reason I don't seem to paint them very often unless I have a reason to, like a special occasion or a night out (in which case, it is a necessity!) But, I have decided that from here onwards, I am going to make more of an effort and look after my nails.
So when browsing Glamour, Cosmo, Company and various blogs, there is one trend that is being raved about... pastels! A favourite of S/S12, there is no doubt that it is going to be everywhere! Luckily my lack of exciting colours in my nailcare basket meant that I could give the powder pink shade a try, but - as you will see below - I've added a hint of sparkle.
For Christmas I received a nail kit created by Gok Wan from Dan's family's Secret Santa; I had used it briefly at Christmas, but this was the time to really give it a go. Within the shiny pink clutch bag was a nail file, orange sticks, hand balm and nail and cuticle oil. I started by filing my nails, using the oil and rubbing in the hand balm. One of the problems I do have with my nails is that they can become dry and split on occasions, but as soon as I used the oil and let it soak in and dry, I could instantly tell the difference; my nails felt more nourished!
The contents of the kit!
Nail and Cuticle Oil applied with a pipette.
Moisture added!
You don't need as much handcream as this; it smells nice and it kept my hands soft all night!
Once the preparation was complete, I coated my nails in a pale pink nail varnish - just a cheap one that I got as a part of a manicure set - and let it dry before applying another coat. This in itself was a lovely nail colour and I would have been very happy to have added a third and left it at that. However, the glistening snow of late inspired me and I added a coat of Barry M's Pink Iridescent (shade 264 - which I've owned for YEARS!) to make them sparkle.
Cheap and cheerful!
After two coats
Barry M Pink Iridescent
I love glittery polish, especially during winter time, and this Christmas had some beautiful shades, so I thought what better way to say goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring (although it doesn't feel like it just yet) than to combine the two trends together?
I am definitely going to invest in some new polishes; which brands and shades are your favourites?
P.S. I painted my nails on Saturday night and by Monday, they had chipped! Do you know of any good top coat polished?!
Whether you're single and having a good time or loved up with your partner, I just wanted to wish all of you lovely readers a very Happy Valentine's Day - I know I've said this before but I really do appreciate all of your support with this blog and so, I hope you all have a wonderful day! x
I love reading magazines; there's something about picking up a publication, reading the features and admiring the pages that I can't get enough of - even the free ones that you pick up at shop checkouts! When I was speaking at East Coast Media's Industry Week, I was asked: "Do you think print is dead?" My answer.... NO!
How can it be? Yes, circulations may be decreasing and e-versions may be becoming more popular, but - in my opinion - there will always be a place in the market for print for the people like me who enjoy setting aside an evening, lunch time or even just a few minutes in the day to browse page upon page of fashion, food, travel, homes, games, music... anything! As long as technology and social media are embraced, I think the print industry is safe.
And this is something that Company Magazine has done. On Saturday evening when I was shopping for chocolate and coca-cola (sugar overload!), I came across Company on the magazine rack and saw that it has had a revamp. Being completely honest, I am not a regular reader of this publication, but this new look (and the price of £1!) tempted me and so I bought it.
The new look Company mag - February 2012 issue.
The first thing I noticed - the new paper; gone are the glossy covers and welcomed are the matt finishes. This is something that a lot of publications are doing (including the magazines I write for which introduced matt covers back in September!) and it really does convey an unconventional, modern feel. I also personally think it makes the colours pop!
Lots of 'handwritten' text
I love how bright the colours on the new paper!
Throughout my diploma and degree, we were always taught to use serif fonts for print and sans-serif for online, but long gone are those rules too! Modern web design is all about 'hand-written' fonts and this has been incorporated into Company's new look; the first sign of print/web collaboration. This is highlighted by the use of #twittertrends which feature throughout the magazine - brilliant idea!
#TwitterTrends!
One of my favourite parts is the illustrations; I think they're so interesting to look at! There's something so appealing about fashion drawings but I'm not quite sure what it is; the originality, the creativity... whatever it is, I think it's a great move! I also LOVE the landscape images and some of the page designs - very contemporary.
I really like this style of page design.
LOVE the landscape pages!
It is always very risky to give your brand a makeover; what if your audience don't like it? What if it's not recognisable? But sometimes, it is necessary, especially when you have a lot of competitors not only from rival titles but from new platforms i.e online. You need to be cutting edge whilst still catering to your loyal readers as well as embrace the challenges you face.
In my personal opinion, Company have done just that. It's like the editor, Victoria White, said in her letter: "If we launched a new women's mag today, this is how it would look", and if (or when!) I am able to launch The LC Issue magazine, I would want the design to be blog-inspired just like this.
I've seen Pinterest pop up on Twitter and Facebook a lot recently and I always wondered what it was. Usually I avoid networking sites (other than Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook of course!) as, sometimes, I do not know what to do with them or how to use them to their full potential, and they get brushed aside...
But this time, I was very curious so I requested an invite. Luckily, the lovely Jai'me Jan sent me one and now I am ready to pin!
As you can tell, I have yet to get into this properly, but I can tell I am going to like it; it's like looking at endless moodboards of your favourite interests - I can't wait to get this up and running!
So, if you're on Pinterest, please feel free to follow me or leave your address so I can follow you lovely people!
Oh, and while you're at it, why not follow me on Bloglovin' and Twitter too? *ahem, shameless promotion!*
One of the warnings we have all heard about at some point in our life is 'do not fall for someone that you work with'; it can be awkward, you'll get bored of each other - it is said that half of all workplace relationships end within three months... Luckily, this has not been the case for me.
Statistics say that approximately 70% of people have had relations with a colleague, and one in five instances end in marriage. Nearly 20 months ago, I started working at my publishing house where I met Daniel - the IT man (as he was introduced to me) - who, nine months later, became my boyfriend - and I couldn't be happier!
Myself and @UltimateCoddy our friends' joint hen and stag do - another Walton's Romance!
At first we were both seeing other people, speaking to each other when we crossed in the office, but then towards the end of 2010 we started going out to get lunch together - let the colleague teasing begin! We received the "What's going on then?", "You and Daniel going for lunch again, hey?" - the usual - but we were just friends, so we carried on as normal.
But by the end of the year, I found myself single, and then a couple of months later in early 2011, Daniel did too so we starting 'hanging out' after work - in secret of course (well, secret to our workmates anyway) and it was so exciting! A few weeks later, we became 'public' and, to my relief, everybody was so happy for us! "We knew this would happen", "It's about time", "FINALLY!" - the best things I could ask to hear!
Six months later, I moved into Dan's flat and now we are about to celebrate our first Valentine's Day together followed by our first anniversary next month - I never would have thought that my first job in journalism would lead to this!
However, today will be the last day that myself and @ultimatecoddy are an office couple as, come Monday, he will be starting his very exciting new job as a Web Developer at a marketing firm in Hull - we've survived the negative statistics! Why has this relationship worked? Well, we're both very determined people who only want the best for each other - and if that means moving onto bigger and better things at different establishments, then so be it! We have fun together, have lots in common, we were very good friends to begin with and that has grown into an amazing relationship... am I sounding too soppy?
Of course, it is going to be a bit strange not working together anymore; I'll have to walk to work by myself, occupy myself at dinner and then explain my day at work to him, but on the other hand, this is such an exiting time in our lives. It has worked for Angelina and Brad, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Beyonce and Jay-Z... I have a good feeling that this will work for us too!
I know this is a bit early, but since this is quite a loved up post (ahh!), I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!
I know this song has been out for a while now, but this is one of those instances where you love a song, stop listening to it for a while, hear it again after a few months and re-fall in love with it!
I'm a not a big Coldplay fan - I like some of their songs but have never made an effort to buy an album - but this song in particular just makes me feel so good - I would LOVE to see this performed live! So, for today's mega quick post, here's the song I'm playing on repeat at the minute.
It's time to celebrate! Well, it will be at the end of the month because... A.) It's my birthday! And B.) our zumba instructor will be hosting her second Zumba Party Night at Cleethorpes Pier!
These events are held on the last Friday of every month; unfortunately I missed January's (which was the first) but, from looking at the Facebook pics, it was a fab night. Each month, the party has a theme - January's was all about D-I-S-C-O and February's theme will be... CARNIVAL!
My Carnival Collage!
All images sourced from Shutterstock
I think this will be a great theme; it just screams fun! The music, the
dancing, the atmosphere all tied together with feathers, sequins and
bright colours! Now, obviously, I will not be walking round Cleethorpes'
Seafront in a jewelled bikini with a giant head dress, but I found some
clothing that would get me into the carnival mood!
Ayesha Sequin Strappy Teal Top
£6 from boohoo
John Zack Sequin Wave Dress
£34.99 (was £44.99) from New Look
ASOS Revive Mini Skirt in Feather
£50 from ASOS
Keeley Black Feather Dress
£10 from boohoo
LOVE this outfit!
(Even though the top isn't very 'carnival'!)
Klarina Premium Sequin Fitted Mini Skirt
£25.99 from missguided
Multi Chain Vest Necklace
£50 from Topshop
How Perfect?
Feather Wing Ear Cuff
£15 from Topshop
Johnny Loves Rosie Feather Clip
£15 (was £39) from ASOS
If you have any samba party inspired ideas for an outfit, then please let me know!
*Please note: The images above are all sourced from the retailers' website*
.... well, almost! Like most people around the country, I spent my Sunday playing in the snow; I have been waiting for weather like this ever since 2010's epic snow falls melted away, and it finally arrived, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Myself and 'Dave' in 2010!
During these snow days, myself and @ultimatecoddy built Dave, a 5ft snowman that lived in our workplace's car park - we were so proud of him! And so, as soon as we saw a couple of inches had settled on the ground, we decided to make Dave 2.0.
Everything was going to plan; we built up his base, rolled up the mid section, created a head and even filled him out with extra snow. We gave him pauperie eyes, mouth and 'buttons', stick arms, a carrot nose and dressed him in an old scarf - he was perfect! After a few obligatory photographs, we left him in our front garden, smiling away at the world. Then, they came along......
Kids.
Kids who ran into the garden, knocked his head and body off and kicked him to bits - we knew it was inevitably going to happen, but not so soon...
So, in honour of his short existence, we have named Dave 2.0 Soloman
Grundy, just like the rhyme... only our snowman's life was much, much
shorter!
The beginning...
...rolling the body...
...sculpting the body...
...adding the head...
...almost knocking it off!
Padded out...
A scarf all the way from Rome, pauperie eyes and adding the carrot nose...
Adding some gloves...
Dave 2.0 is complete!
@ultimatecoddy getting a picture
What was to become known as 'Soloman Grundy'
Family photo!
The final chapter... just ten short minutes later.
