My week in photos 32

The past week and a half has been FULL of food. I have literally not stopped eating for what seems like days now. 

The Easter chocolate was more than ever before and we spent this past weekend in Somerset celebrating Jane and Val's birthdays, which obviously meant a spot of overindulgence. Here are some pictures of the food, and fun I've been having, over the past few days.

Clockwise from top left: An exceedingly early train journey from St Pancras - A lunch date with The Boy at Yo Sushi - Train views - A morning of relaxation at Monet in Warsash - A Thursday night dinner date with these two weirdos at The Rockstone - Home sweet home for the Easter break - The beautiful Reiss store in Nottingham (fast becoming my favourite shopping destination) - My new favourite pink nail varnish (which just so happens to be by George at Asda)

Clockwise from top left: A sunny Saturday on the South Coast - Death by blue cheese at The Rockstone - Scouting out the lake next to the wedding venue - Essentials for another early start for a day of store visits - An afternoon treat at Lee On Solent - On a quick river walk on Saturday whilst waiting for our pizza (see what I mean about the eating) we spotted these cute ducklings - Scouting out photo locations for the wedding at Titchfield Abbey - Closing off the bank holiday in bed with a stinking cold

Clockwise from top left: Dippy eggs with soldiers for brunch on my day off on Friday - Rocking out my new necklace (K-Middy style) - Gearing up to surprise The Boy's Mum on her birthday - Rambling around the wedding venue - Mike's Bar for Val's birthday party - Prepping for my store visits in M&S Nottingham - Blossoms and blue sky - Glastonbury Tor from Grandads garden

More dash than cash

Lately I've been finding myself getting irrationally angry with people who are overly wealthy. I'm mostly doing this in my head of course (we've not quite reached nuthouse stages yet) but as I stroll through Hyde Park on my way to work, passing by size zero women working out with their personal trainers and ladies wearing pristine Hunter wellies whilst walking their pedigree pooches I find myself getting more and more wound up. Case in point: Vogue magazines More Dash Than Cash issue, claiming to be big on fashion but low on price.

I mean really? Come on.

I would love to have a spare £350 to spend on a blazer but sadly for me the reality is that I take home less than that each month after rent and bills. Since when did life become so expensive? I vividly remember working in a pub in my early twenties and taking home enough each week for all my bills, a shopping spree and numerous nights out. Now I'm lucky if I get to make one new purchase and nights out usually need to involve some sort of 2-for-1 dinner coupon (or a meal at The Boy's fave, Wetherspoons). The girls and I spend most days dreaming up elaborate schemes to make our millions, but until then I need to keep a tight grip on my purse strings and try to stay out of the more expensive stores. Therefore please see below for my very own More Dash than Cash post, for us girls who are watching the pennies but still want to be bang on trend.

This Jacket from H&M is not only a great cut but will be a good transitional piece for when we move into Autumn. Jacket - H&M £29.99

I love a loose vest in the summertime and this mint coloured one from Lavish Alice is in a key colour for the season. Silk Vest - Lavish Alice £14

 

These vintage inspired lenses will keep the sun at bay and help you keep your cool (especially at the cash register) for a mere £8. Sunglasses - Dorothy Perkins £8

One of my work colleagues has this scarf and I've been admiring it a lot lately as it brings together a number of key colours and is in a great aztec inspired print. Scarf - Accessorize £22

What are your must-have budget conscious buys for Summer?