Quote of the Week

I turn to my Idol Audrey Hepburn for this weeks quote.

An insight to family life

So the weekend yet again flew by.

I know it is already the middle of the week, but I have been so busy I haven't had the time to blog about my weekend. This weekend I was a groom for my sister, and I thought it would be a good post. So here it is.

Yes I was my little sis (she's 18) groom for the day. We have horses and this weekend and basically every weekend my sister is out competing. I try to go to most of them, which my sister loves as that means she has her personal groom (me) and a driver (my dad - he drives the horse box) so her own personal team.  My mum tries to come too but other things need to be done at the weekend also.

This is Dinky 

It was an early start for us Saturday, but weather was on our side. It was a beautiful sunny morning, a lovely day to be out with the horses.  So we got everything together, loaded Dinky and off we went.

Once we got there, the sun was shinning and it was time to sus this place out. We or anyone we know haven't been to this place before to compete, have lessons or anything else, this was a new one for us. 

Of course one of the most important parts of being out with the horses competing is the burger van or restaurant which is there. As we set off in the early morning (7.30am - most of the time this is the case) the smell of bacon butties is heaven. Thankfully this was perfect - Hit the spot. 

Unfortuantly the actaul reason for going to show jump was a little dissapointing. The arena wasn't exactly the best standard to jump in nor was the actaul course and the layout. But we were there now so might as well jump. 

The rounds they did they went clear which was good, so a good result out of not such a good situation. But finding new places there are always a few not so good ones to be noted not to go back, and if you don't go you don't know what there is.

After our rounds we treated ourselfs with hot chocloate and got Dinky some polos, and loaded everything up and on our way home.

And look who was waiting for us, and wanting to help with the clean up. 

"Oh look she just wanted a cuddle" - this is Leah she also has a bigger brother Douglas

Here they are enjoying the first of the sunshine this year.

A must read

So at the beginning of the Year which by the way seems like ages ago, I made a New Year resolution list, on that list consisted of read at least more than one book a year. Which brings me to my post.  

I have been a little bit slow with this resolution but after reading about this new book coming out (will tell all in a bit) and fashion week being on at the moment gave me a new lease for life on reading, as I have Tamara Mellon's autobiography In Her Shoes, which I was mega excited about I pre ordered it (never pre order a book before) but I now have only had the chance to read it and it's amazing! I haven't put it down. It is inspirational, interesting and overall gives you an insight into the world of Tamara Mellon, the challenges it brings being the founder and a women of one of the biggest brands. A must read.

So onto this book I am talking about. I have found out that the founder of Nasty Gal an American retail website, which is worth over millions of dollars even though it has only been going since 2006, is global with Forbes naming it being one of the fastest growing companies of 2012 and did I mention that Sophia (Nasty Gal founder) is only 28 and now launching her autobiography/help guide. Its called #GirlBoss. From the sneak peak I have read, and what I know about Sophia's journey to being the founder of this multi million dollar company, it is a must read. Release date the 23rd Feb, I have pre ordered mine already. 

You might see a theme in my reading list that I love fashion, all for power women and inspiration that shows anything is possible and any one can achieve anything if they put their mind to it. But I promise next time I will include some easy reads, romance and thrillers in to the mix. 

Quote of the Week

One of my favouirte designers and all time icon brings us the quote of the week - Coco Chanel.

And another weekend has flown by, literally! I hope none of you have been badly effected.

This weekend was a relaxed one for me, I think I am still recuperating from the weekend before in Amsterdam.

Looks like it was definitely a relaxed weekend for Garfield.


So my relaxed weekend consisted of shopping with my mummy at one of our favourite places for shopping - Guildford.  I came away with of course a pair of shoes. I have had my eye on these for a while from Russel and Bromley, a pair of Chelsea Boots "Love"! Something I can tick of my wish list yay.

When I go shopping I can almost guarantee that I will add to my beauty products and this time I picked up a rather gorgeous lipstick from Chanel.  I am a huge fan of make up artist Lisa Eldridge. I am constantly checking her site to see if she has any new videos or posts up. Whilst viewing it this week there was a new video on orange lip, which has led me to buying Chanel's Rouge Allure in Incandescent 97. It's a very classic Hollywood Glamour with a Parisian feel to it - "Adore".

 

The rest of the weekend was made up of tea, reading, TV, more tea and a snuggle from my boy (Garfield). 

"Oh look still relaxing"

Amsterdam

This weekend me and 9 of my friends embarked on a long weekend to Amsterdam. 3 days there is certainly enough. 

A lot of alcohol was consumed, a lot of laughter was had and many fond memories were made. 
But I can safely say I know need a holiday after it. 

Majority of what we did for the three days was basically shop, recuperate with cup of tea in cafes (normal - not the other), bars, clubs, boat trip and eat good food.  

The 2 places I have to tell you about is this one cocktail bar we went to, which is a restaurant as well as a bar to the right.  Majestic is based in one of the main squares called Dam. The staff were amazing, friendly and talented at making cocktails. We stayed there for over 5 hrs enjoying the cocktails and the mixologer as we sat at the bar.  A great way to spend your afternoon if I say so myself. Oh and also the best cocktail was by far the 'Pleasure in Amsterdam', consists of Licor Cuarenta Y Tres, Vodka, Pineapple juice, orange juice and fresh strawberry puree. 

\

"Oh no all gone - need another!!"

The other place I need to inform you all of is a sweet cafe. It was raining on our last morning and we were all in need of caffeine and breakfast. When we stumbled upon Toos and Roos a small but sweet cafe, which seemed to be very popular.  Great food and wonderful milkshakes. 

Quote Of The Week

Quote of the week is from the fabulous Katharine Hepburn. 

What I Am Loving At The Moment

I thought this week I could go with the love theme as its valentines day this week. So I decided to share the things I am loving right now. 

I am loving these Tod's to wear with this season ripped skinny black jeans.

Tod's Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede

Although the weather isn't that great at the moment, doesn't stop me from looking at sunglasses. I am in LOVE with these classic frames, which have been around since the 60's and made famous by Audrey Hepburn. She wears them in Breakfast at Tiffany's that in itself won me over.

Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan (1960)

Right now I am filling my home with a new scent I have found from Diptyque. It's a nice woody smell, similar to their limited edition pine Christmas candle they had last season. Which I adore and wanted a scent to carry on. Think I have succeeded with this one. 

My White Company catalogue came through last week and these Silk jogging trousers were screaming my name. 

Then I turned the next page and this jumper was there. Perfect for this rotten weather we are having. 

Recently I have noticed through instagram (my instagram name follow me jo_b12) twitter, fashion mags etc that Larsson & Jennings watch company have become vogue. I have known about them for years and is nice to see that everyone else loves them too.  I know wanna get the chic black Lader one.

                                                            

The start of the fashion week month. Kicking it all off is New York Fashion Week. Mega excited about what is about to be revealed - especially for Victoria Beckham, I was not disappointed. 

I am loving all the black skinny ripped jeans at the moment, but I haven't yet found 'THE' pair for me. Every time I do annoyingly sold out in my size. But anyway still loving them. 

My mum this week introduced me to this website for discount shoes including brands like Kurt Geiger, UGG etc. My mum knows me best - a shoeaholic. www.shoeaholics.com

Right now seems to be hot for exhibits on photographers. I am definitely going to go see David Bailey's exhibit -   Bailey's Stardust exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery from 6th Feb - 1st June 2014.

I have been waiting for this and it finally arrived on Friday in time for me to read on my flight  - Porter Magazine! It is great, if you haven't already you have to go and buy it. Love it!

What are your Loves this month? 

Quote of the Week

"A Woman is like a tea bag, you never knowhow strong she is until you put her in hot water"  Eleanor Roosevelt

Busy Week including Roller Disco

I have been bad the last week with blogging due to the hectic schedule I had.

Ok so the first thing was on Tuesday I went to see that guy I am seeing. (The one I talked about in the Zip post, when I was deciding what to wear) In the end I wore that Zip skirt with a simple black spaghetti strap top, and my new Monica Vinader gold pendant which was the statement piece of the outfit. I just LOVE this pendant the chain I got (which you have to buy separately) is adjustable with its length, which is super handy and great.

I spent a few days with him in Exeter. It was the first time I have ever been there which was nice. He showed be around and fun was had by all, and I very much got spoilt by his cooking skills. My turn next eek!

Next on the agenda for the week on Friday was roller disco I was mega excited about. It was my good friend 23rd Birthday and we wanted to do something different, and this idea came up - Roller Disco! None of us had done it before, same came be said about putting a pair of roller blades on too (this included me).

With nearly all of us never skated before plus alcohol could equal a disaster, but I can assure you the fun we had outweighed the falls to be had. You do get the odd pro showing off, but I would safely say we had more fun! Especially when the guys try to act like they know it all, talking tactics and how they should be good as they have a good core etc, made us girls laugh, as it came to it they were the worst.

A fun night was had by all. A few bruises here and there, but we carry on drinking the pain away finishing the night of at our local bar.

To end the week was celebrating my Uncles birthday. My Aunts and Uncles came to ours for the weekend. All my family are based in the Cotswold's which is were I was born and lived a bit, my parents were brought up there, so it is a home away from home. But this weekend it was down south at ours (we now live on the border of Hampshire/Surrey).

To celebrate my Uncles birthday we took them to one of our favourite and guaranteed for good food and atmosphere called Cote. They have a few scattered around England. It's French cuisine and beautifully decorated, creating a wonderful ambiance. The staff here especially are very attentive and make sure you are looked after.

Our food was wonderful. I had the Sea bass which was divine.

My dad, sister and her boyfriend had steak which looked amazing and said tasted just as good. 

Everyone else also said thee food was great, but didn't get chance to take pictures of all the food. Too much chat, eating and drinking going on.

But the final thing I have to say in the post is about the red wine my dad and uncle shared, which we all ended up sharing and getting through numerous amounts of bottles. It was a Merlot and I took a picture for details on exactly what wine it was. So I thought I would share with you all.