A change will do you good

Recently I've gotten really into reading blogs again.

The past few months I've been whiling away many an evening on Pinterest which, although fun, isn't actually achieving very much. I gave up reading the Daily Mail online but another addiction seems to have crept up on me. And with Mother commenting that my iPad is "like an extension of your arm" I've realised that something has to change. I have therefore spent the past couple of evenings reading my current book of choice, finally filing my paperwork (a boring but necessary evil), and catching up with some of my favourite bloggers, the ones I can really relate to and inspire me to want to blog again.

Although reading blogs is still technically using the iPad it is encouraging me to start updating Lost and Found on a more regular basis and giving me plenty of inspiration along the way. Hell, I'm writing now aren't i?

Here's some links to a few of my faves.

The Beauty Crush - For fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration

Live Love DIY - For inspiration for the big move

Milk Bubble Tea - For all things gorgeous and to inspire me to keep my house clean

 Rachel Phipps - For all your foodie needs

 Jaclyn Hill - Super talented make up and beauty vlogger

The Daybook - For wonderful writing, fashion and lifestyle observations

 The Londoner - Because her adventures in London town (and the world) never get old 

 The Life Wardrobe - For giggles and fashion inspiration

Zsa Zsa's birthday treat: shopping and food (what could be better)

I've been a bad BAD blogger of late and have not been posting half as often as I'd like. This is due mainly to a promotion at work (yay me), which has meant longer hours in the office but has caused something rather strange to happen. I've actually started to, shock horror, enjoy my job again (believe me it was touch and go there for a while). Sure there's still days where I want to pick up the computer and throw it across the room or, as the marketing girls put it "don't be surprised if you pass by later and see a girl shaped hole in that window", but overall I'm a lot happier and that can only be a good thing.

But back to the blog.

What have I been up to lately you may ask, well let's begin with Zsa Zsa's birthday treat.

Birthdays come just once a year and as Zsa Zsa is a major part of my life I decided what better way to treat her than with two of her all time favourite things: food and shopping.

Clockwise from top left: Zsa enjoys a cocktail - The meat board, YUM - Iced tea in the sunshine - The best chips in West London, FACT

On Friday we made the most of the sunny weather and managed to leave work promptly at 4pm to allow the evenings festivities to commence. We headed to Hammersmith to sample the food and drinks on offer at the Hampshire Hog, one of my all time favourite locations for an after work beverage, and we weren't disappointed.

As the sun was out we made the most of the brief British summer and sat in the gorgeous garden, along with many other people who'd decided to while away the summers evening in the sunshine. We shared a meat board and some fries, along with some cocktails followed by Iced Tea, all of which were positively delicious.

We rounded off the night with a walk along the river, followed by Kit Kat Chunky's and a DVD (Bridesmaids, as usual) back at mine - before our standard nap on the sofa before bed.

The following morning we were up bright and early for Zsa Zsa's main birthday surprise: a day trip to Bicester Village for a spot of shopping in the sunshine.

Clockwise from top left: Before it got CRAZY busy - A Saturday non-diet treat, YUM -  Someone went home happy! - How are ewe?

Having never been to Bicester Village we weren't sure what to expect, but after reading the A Girl, A Style blog I was sure we would be able to track down some amazing bargains. As you can see, Zsa Zsa certainly went home a very happy girl after purchasing shoes, knitwear, pottery and some Cath Kidston bits. I was slightly more restrained and instead went for one big purchase from Cath Kidston (and it wasn't even for me! I am a changed woman) but I still had lots of fun browsing the rails.

Clockwise from top left: Me being very restrained (for once) - Cheap drinks from Starbucks - Shoppers in the sunshine - The cute store fronts

Bicester Village is open seven days a week and can easily be reached by car or train - we however took the Shopping Express from London, and the service was fantastic. With pick up points across the capital and friendly drivers, the Shopping Express is the convenient way to hit the stores whilst staying in the city.

Find all the information on visiting Bicester Village here.

27 Things I know and love about Zsa Zsa

Brace yourselves for (another) overly sentimental post, for yesterday, the 24^th of August, marked a very special day in the L&F household. Not only was it a Friday and I didn’t have to go away for the weekend for a wedding (huzzah!), it was also my best friend Zsa Zsa’s 27^th birthday!

I’ve only known Zsa Zsa (Sasha to everyone else) for a little over a year but she has fast become a HUGE part of my life and I don’t know where I’d be without her – her straight talking and great advice on anything from friendship, to career choices, to our similarly hopeless boyfriends, has gotten me through many a trialling day/week.

She means the world to me so I thought I’d share with you all 27 things I know and love about Zsa Zsa:

1. Her childlike excitement for anything remotely involving food. I don’t even need to say the name of a restaurant or bar, only “I read about this place on The Londoner” and Zsa will cut me off with “So, when are we going?”
2. The fact that these are the only two photos in existence of just the two of us - we're always too busy taking photos of each other.
3. The fact that we don’t even need to speak to know what the other is thinking.
4. The fact that the men in our lives both have an appreciation of all things nerdy – as this means they’re kept occupied whilst Zsa and I are shopping/gossiping/eating/watching episodes of The City. I don’t however think that the ever stylish Ben has any chance of persuading The Boy to wear a cardigan, much the pity.
5. Her hair. I just love Zsa’s hair when it’s braided – I always wanted to look like Lauryn Hill in Sister Act 2 when I was growing up, which as a skinny, blonde, white girl, came as quite a disappointment to realise that having my hair braided might not be the best idea.
6. The fact that she is the oracle when it comes to discount codes – if there’s money off to be had, you can guarantee Zsa knows about it.
7. Her singing in the shower – whenever Zsa stays over it’s always a musical treat.
8. Both Ben (Zsa’s boyfriend) and Zsa push me to get out of my comfort zone. Our recent trip to Thorpe Park was pretty terrifying for me (a girl who hates rollercoasters) but thanks to their encouragement (and the fact I was given no other option) I went on numerous rides and had an absolutely fantastic time.
9. That she loves a good gossip/moan/rage session.
10. Her amazing sense of fashion - I always look forward to seeing the next ensemble she comes up with.
11. The fact that we both have the Spice Girls on our iPods – and no we are not ashamed of this fact!
12. Her mutual appreciation of The Cheesecake Factory (even though she’s never been!). Don’t worry Zsa, I plan on taking you to the one in Florida when we go next year.
13. That she loves peanut butter Kit Kat chunky's just as much as me.
14. That she loves to wind both The Boy and Ben (her boyfriend) up just as much as I do.
15. The fact that, like me, she ALWAYS has room for dessert.
16. Her laugh: cackle, snort, squeal - I love them all (and mimicking them is one of my all time favourite things to do).
17. Zsa's blog: The Life Wardrobe. One of my favourite reads, it makes me think, makes me laugh, makes me lust over the contents of her amazing wardrobe, and truly is the ultimate representation of the fabulousness that is Sasha Glasgow in blog form.
18. Her height. Zsa may consider herself short, whereas I just see her as perfectly proportioned - something I wish I was.
19. Her keenness to hit the dance floor. Drunk, sober, on dry land, on a boat - location doesn't matter as long as the music is good.
20. Her drive. When Zsa wants something she goes for it and doesn't stop until she's got it.
21. Her passion. The first half of this year at work was a very difficult time for us due to forces outside our control but together we came through it and kept each other going. I believe we are both stronger women as a result.
22. The fact I can share my dreams and aspirations with Zsa and she won't laugh (mainly because they're pretty much the same thing).
23. Her ability to justify any purchase (I do this too). The two of us should never be allowed to go shopping together on payday-we behave as if we've won the lottery.
24. The fact that she makes it acceptable for us to eat other people's left overs when we go for a work lunch.
25. That she gets excited with me that Christmas is coming - in September.
26. Her love of a bargain - be it reduced food in M&S or a sneaky sale purchase
27. And most of all...that she is the first person I’ve met in a really long time, that I can truly call a friend – and a best one at that.

I love you Zsa Zsa - have a wonderful birthday weekend!

A week on my plate

The 16lbs in 16weeks challenge has fallen by the wayside somewhat over the past month and, in dire need of a kick start on the diet front, last week I embarked upon a post entitled "a week on my plate". Having lost about 6/7lbs since my challenge began (Zsa has put me to shame with more than a stone) things seem to have stalled and the last few pounds are proving tricky to shift. The premise of "a week on my plate" was simple: one week, all my food, photographed. I found this challenge surprisingly enjoyable and it truly opened my eyes to the diet demons crowding my plate at every mealtime.

Breakfasts are almost always Shreddies with banana and raisins - a bag of salted popcorn often helps me through the day - Michael's legendary lunchtime wraps -  olives and calamari - M&S probiotic yoghurt with cherry compot - homemade sausage and mash

So what did I learn? The most glaring realisation was simply that I eat far too many carbs (I'm clearly a savoury rather than sweet girl), and that I don't eat half as much fruit and veg as I think I do (this has to change if I ever want to lose the last 10lbs). Also, that my portions can be somewhat on the large side, when a smaller meal would be just as satisfying. 

As summer is approaching I refuse to let this last bit of chub hold me back and have instead revised my challenge to become: The 10lbs in 10weeks challenge. 

Starting now.

Sunday fun day

Look of the day

Mac: Primark

Scarf: H&M
Jumper: Primark
Shorts: New Look (customised)
Hat: Vintage
Watch: Rotary
Bag: Hobbs
Boots: Next

On Sunday I was in desperate need of a catch up with the work wife (Zsa Zsa, she of The Life Wardrobe) after her week off and my week from hell in the office, so we ventured out to Islington for a spot of brunch at The Breakfast Club.

Those who read this blog regularly will know my feelings on The Breakfast Club (both their All American breakfasts and fresh mint tea are to die for) so Zsa's suggestion of "why don't we have a salad at Pizza Express" was met with a definite expression of "what the hell" from me. Regardless of the queue at weekends, The Breakfast Club is definitely worth a visit for the pancakes alone, but enough about the food: Zsa and I had things to discuss, mainly her house move/relentless shopping and my week from hell/desperate need for a holiday.

After a spot of gossiping we took a stroll around the local area checking out the sights (ie: making a mental list of places we want to eat and ogling the latest wares from some of our favourite out-of-our-price-range stores). One of our favourite things to do of late is to dream up far fetched schemes to become ladies who lunch and this trip was pretty much just fuel to the fire as we stopped at many an estate agents window, our desire for a kitchen island and homewares from John Lewis knows no bounds. The sun was out for pretty much the first time this year and it was just a lovely day to spend with my best bud in the sunshine, relaxing and mentally preparing myself for the week ahead.

Here are some shots of my ensemble for the day, apologies for the people in the background but as I said it was sunny and you know how people in the UK get when it's warm in March (just be thankful they're wearing anything at all).

The No Shopping Pledge: week one

Week one of the No Shopping Pledge has gone by pretty much without a hitch, sure there’s been days when I’ve wanted to hit the high street for a spot of retail therapy but so far I’ve managed to keep myself in check. The release of the new-look Company magazine on Thursday (kindly bought for me by Zsa Zsa of The Life Wardrobe, no breaking the pledge for me) didn’t help matters though, as I now feel that I NEED a denim shirt in my life. I think in essence this could be part of the problem. I have a wardrobe full of perfectly nice (in fact more than nice, I would even go so far as to say lush – that’s right I’m part Welsh) clothes yet if I see something in a magazine/shop/window/walking past me on the back of some far more fashionable girl, I get this feeling that if I had the said item, my wardrobe would be complete and I would suddenly have so many more outfit choices. In fact I often find it’s the opposite that’s true; the fewer options I have the greater chance of me coming up with an ensemble that I’m happy with. Luckily the stores I pass on my way to work are still promoting sale, and as much as I love a bargain a massive sale banner is far less likely to entice me to spend when compared to a well thought out new season window display. Staying in the office on my lunch hour also seems to be working, a bit of banter with the girls over food in the kitchen at least gives me a screen break and there’s far less likelihood of me spending (although I do pass the tuck box on the way back to my desk and always get food envy of my friends lunches, making me wish I still got 20% discount at M&S). Not having the option of making a purchase makes you think more about the clothes you do have and how you can best use them to create an on trend look without heading to the shops. Currently I’m thinking about wearing some of the amazing sale purchases I bought just after Christmas (the whole reason I’m so poor in the first place) but haven’t really had the right occasion to wear. This is another of my problems: buying clothes for a life I simply don’t lead, and buying clothes and saving them for “something special”. I need to start thinking that every day is special and saving things for “best” will simply mean they don’t get worn and remain languishing in the wardrobe or shoved in a box under the bed for all eternity. When I was three stone heavier I went through a phase of always wearing the same black jumper (which Jade and Amy, the girls from Cellardoor magazine LOVED to pick me up on). I’d vary the scarf or jacket but essentially the ensemble would always be the same: black jumper and jeans or black jumper and denim skirt. Hmmmmm, inspiring, not. I’m a lot better these days but I do always tend to lean towards comfort and familiarity when picking out something to wear. With this in mind, next week I shall endeavor to wear something new every day, picked from the clothes I already own: I have far too many nice things to always wear the same.

Food for thought

So, today is the day the non-new-years-resolution diet starts, and when I say starts I should really say returns, as I am usually pretty healthy and don’t allow too many bad foods in the house (if they aren’t here then they can’t hurt me). However, the days between Christmas and New Year have taken a dire toll on my waistline, especially with Mother sending us back to London with a hamper full of cheese (my own personal downfall) and cake (ditto). As the year ahead is already packed with events at which I’ll need to look my best in a dress, before we even mention swimwear; it’s time for me to take some action.

My good friend Zsa Zsa of The Life Wardrobe has suggested we challenge ourselves to lose 16lbs in 16 weeks and I think this is a reasonably doable task, provided the biscuits and cakes at Hobbs HQ are kept well away from the branch merchandising area (fat chance) This being said, there still seems to be rather a lot of food in the L&F household and, as we don’t like waste, today saw myself and The Boy busying ourselves with the task of concocting healthy meals for the freezer out of the items left from the festive period. Lunch was a steak and goats cheese salad (not the most healthiest of meals I know but we are in a non-wasting mood and as the goats cheese was looking for a home – I welcomed it with open, bingo winged arms). Dinner will be Weight Watchers vegetarian curry, a staple meal in the L&F household, mainly because it uses up pretty much any leftover veg and is point-free (for anyone not used to WW terminology, point-free is basically the holy grail of Weight Watchers meals, i.e.: eat as much as you like). This afternoon also saw me use my bread maker for the first time, which is a hobby I could really see myself getting into in 2012. Admittedly my first attempt did come from a bread mix (Broomers, if you’re reading this I know you will be shocked and appalled at this admission, therefore any time you want to come over and give me a lesson in baking you’re more than welcome) but it was still pretty successful and fun all the same. I also found time to set up a food survival pack to take to work with me tomorrow, as even though I’m sure the whole office will be on a January detox, there’s bound to be temptation everywhere, namely homemade Tiffin from Sophie’s Mother, (which is bound to go straight to my thighs).