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

Sunday night date at Malmaison

Last weekend The Boy and I headed out for a much needed Sunday night away from home. After weeks of illness and long hours at work we needed a break, and what better than a random night away from home in our city?

After reading this post by The Londoner late last year I knew that a stay at the Malmaison Hotel would be right up my street and the food at the Brasserie would be equally as appealing to The Boy (and me).

Maxi Dress - River Island

Clutch Bag - H&M

Scarf - Homemade

Faux Leather Jacket - F&F

We headed East on Sunday afternoon and went to the 5pm showing of the musical Jersey Boys, a show that The Boy has been dying to see, at the Prince Edward Theatre near Leicester Square. Having seen Wicked a few weeks ago I was a little underwhelmed - I like a musical with all the bells and whistles (i.e. flying witches, talking monkeys and a girl with green skin) - but The Boy loved it. And to be fair I enjoyed it to. The set was ingenious and the music was foot-tappingly good, it was the perfect start to date night.

After the musical, we took a nighttime stroll near the Barbican before settling in for a late supper at the hotel restaurant, the Brasserie. Situated in the basement, I was concerned that we might be the only ones dining so late on a Sunday but I needn't have worried as, thanks to the fantastic food on offer, the restaurant was reassuringly busy. I had the crab and avocado starter which was absolutely delicious (anything that involves avocado is a winner with me) whilst The Boy settled for calamari and chorizo (equally delicious). Over a crisp bottle of white we discussed plans for 2013, our previous dates and our first proper night of drinks after a dry January. It was wonderful.

 Just a little bit naughty

For our mains The Boy went for lamb (his favourite) whilst I lowered the tone with the Stack Burger. An absolute monster of a meal, and one which Michael had to help me with more than a little bit. We finished with cocktails and more chatter as the bar started to empty, comfortable with the knowledge we only had a two minute trip in the lift to reach our room, rather than a 45 minute tube journey across the city. It was both a relaxing and fun night, we shall definitely be making a return visit.

The Boy and I took advantage of the Malmaison Sunday Stopover - a great deal if you fancy a delicious meal alongside a comfortable overnight stay in one of twelve cosmopolitan cities.

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!