If you're feeling blue, Charlie Brown (Coldplay) has the answer...

I've only just managed to get my hands on the new Coldplay album, Mylo Xyloto. And, well, I am a fan! The instant I heard Charlie Brown, I knew it was a keeper. I've listened to it a bit on repeat with a pretty good sound system, don't fret, in which may I add, a good sound system is a must. Anyway, feeling a little blue after all the Christmas excitement and a slight fear of a brand new looming year ahead? Well Charlie Brown by Coldplay is here to help. Whack up your sounds and take a breather for your toes to tap and your shoulders to shake! Works like a dream...

Merry Christmas folks...

So I got slightly caught up in the Christmas festivities and didn't manage to post my little Christmas card to you all... I hope everyone is having a brill time relaxing, eating, sleeping and spending time with loved ones. I love Christmas and what it's all about! A special time to come together and celebrate our one love...

Sweden, oh Sweden's First Aid Kit...

I recently came across First Aid Kit, Swedish sister act, who bring eerily pretty music to the folky scene! If you haven't heard them before, definitely take a listen to their latest track 'The Lion's Roar'. I've noticed recently that I have a sneakily growing love for all things Swedish, and I'm not sure where it's come from. So you've got the classics, Ikea and H&M, but along my trails I've found new Swedish brands to love. At some point in my life I would very much like to visit Stockholm too, I've heard good things that are all so tempting, vintage fashion, colourful streets and plenty of cafes. One day, maybe, hopefully soon, I will cross the waters for my very own Swedish adventure...

Hello Little Printer...

How cute is this Little Printer? It's like having your own personal notes service. Print a to-do list, a game or a photo to stick magnificently to your fridge, notice board or wherever you feel needs a little note. Sometimes it's nice to look at something static and in your hands, as opposed to everything on your phone or computer screen. To add to that, paper never runs out of juice...

REMADE IN SWITZERLAND! Where else...

I recently came across this exciting Swiss brand, designed by the young British designer Christopher Raeburn teamed with Victorinox, who have made a collection from deconstructing existing military items, like parachutes, to then create new garments. The whole concept is about reusing surplus materials, whether spare fabric or over-produced garments. To add to the story, Christopher located the original building where the founder of the company, Victorinox, began production in the late 1800s. Take a look at the video above of the journey of the products' production, note that the locations are in beautifully distressed rooms, a perfect match for uniting old with new. I love the little movie, it's pretty genius, as are the garments. I think we should all take note of the amazing REMADE IN SWITZERLAND and think of ways in our own lives that we can reuse to make something extraordinary...

REMADE IN SWITZERLAND capsule collection of 8

Wintry Chilling...

Daylight is getting shorter, days are getting colder, coat wearing days are increasing and most of all, winter is officially on its way... I like those days where you're appropriately wrapped up but you still get to feel the bitter cold air strike your cheeks! Currently, I'm on the hunt for the perfect wooly hat. In my head I know what it looks like, but I'm struggling to find it. Not that it's majorly unique or anything, just a classic wool pompom hat, apparently 100% wool is a pickle to find! Anyway, back to winter. On those super cold days, you want nothing more than to sip on a nice hot cup of something, chill with some good friends and have a fire blaring away, obviously. I'm excited for lots more wintry chilling in these next couple months, it's the best way to make the most of these nippy, dark evenings. Fun, friends, food and fire! Perfect...

P.S. Sorry that I've been slack with the blog, again. It looks like I'm starting a trend, write once every couple of months! Oops! I'm going to try my very best to keep up-to-date with it...

Inspiration is everything...

I'm not sure if it's because I've got a bit of spare time on my hands at the moment, but I've been delving a little deeper into the companies and charities that I love. Each being set up by an inspirational entrepreneur. I love to read, listen to or watch their stories unfold. In a recent interview with Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe-giver of TOMS, he mentioned that "stories are the future of marketing", and I think this is really true. Stories from these types of life-changing companies ooze genuine compassion and love - a sign of a true story that has not been re-touched by the press. Companies should provide their  story in order to invite their customers to explore the past, present and future of the company, which could possibly lead to a customer for life. Life-long customers are every company's dream. They spread the word to all of their friends, who in turn, pass it along to their friends. The cycle continues. Being spread on ground level is sometimes the most important because trust and love has already been established between groups of friends. I challenge you to go and explore the companies you love, where have they come from and where are they going. Not all companies will provide this information, but the search will be interesting. I wonder if the reason I love all of the companies I do, is because they all have their own unique story behind them...

Wooooah...

I can't quite believe that over two months has passed since I wrote my last post. I guess people do say that the summer months are pretty hectic, and for me, I suppose that that is pretty spot on. I've had a weekend break on the south coast for ultimate chill time, travelled to Canada to visit my sister, walked across a stage to shake some guys hand for my graduation, worked at two summer Christian festivals for an amaaazingly cool brand, helped at a kids camp nearby, spending almost all day, every day with some pretty amazing young people and now, to finish, I'm catching up on some sleep to be refreshed for whatever may come my way in the coming months. For some, September always marks the start of something new, which probably relates to a new school year. This year will be my first year out of education with no September plans, but it definitely still has that new and exciting feeling. As I've mentioned before, "dreams aren't there to just be thought about, act upon them and start living them!" Now more than ever, I feel that this new freedom in my life will allow me to do what I want without the restrictions of a box...

New Chapters Ahoy...

I don't know if it just happens to be that time of the year, but it seems that there are a lot of new things happening for people all around me at all different stages. Me being one of them! Finishing uni is, to most, an exciting opportunity where it marks the end of one era with an abundance of anticipation as to what lies ahead. For me, I'm in search of the perfect job (some may say perhaps a little naive, but hey, I'm willing to take that chance). I haven't been sending my CV off here, there and everywhere. I want it to mean something and for my passion to be put across with a company that I actually would love to work for. Sometimes I think too far ahead and forget about what is going on now and avoid committing to something, just in case it interferes with my long-awaiting future. With this and my new chapter in mind, I've been thinking a lot lately about taking the plunge and committing to more things, which obviously means that patience is a hot-topic at the moment. I'm pretty good at it but it never stops my mind from wondering what could happen next. So with all these ideas and dreams floating around in my head I know that I will definitely have to master the art of patience. Remember folks, patience is a virtue...

The Future of TOMS...

For some of you who may not have heard of the brand TOMS, they are known for their promise that when you purchase a pair of their shoes, a pair is given to a child in need! An amazing one for one business strategy. Just a week ago, TOMS launched a very exciting new chapter, where they do not want to just be known as a shoes company, but as a one for one company, which can obviously be transferable to a variety of different products in need. The latest news, that Blake, the founder, kept hidden in a tube box for a few months, is that they will be selling a range of TOMS Eyewear. The image below, released by TOMS, simply encapsulates what exactly their aim is. It really is a great model. TOMS have produced a product, sunglasses, that people in the Western world already buy, in turn to help provide eye-care for those in need in the developing countries. If this doesn't scream a great idea to you, then, well, keep up. Sometimes people find it hard to justify buying a product that they don't have a need for but it has the appealing charitable value. So for TOMS to provide a product that consumers want and can still be charitable is amazing. TOMS have definitely stepped up the bar for caring for others. The TOMS story has captivated me over the past year and a half, and I am still eagerly looking forward to what they will do next! Definitely one to watch... 

How It Works

The Great eBay Pursuit

I'm not a major hoarder, but over the years I have accumulated a few rather random bits and pieces, too long to list. I'm having a big clean up at the moment and its those things that you think you'll use sometime in the future, like clothes to get dirty, or some stationary item, that I never know what to do with. On the whole I am quite ruthless when getting rid of unwanted items, but the ones that you never wear or use but still want to keep because of the monetary or sentimental value, that I struggle with. I've just got back into eBay, although I still suck at the whole bidding process, one day I'll ace it! Anyway, so through my tidying I have decided to start selling some items on eBay. I think it's a great way of recycling unwanted things and they say that 'one man's rubbish is another man's treasure'. It's such a shame when many people just throw items away without a care in the world. Usually I take items down to my local charity shop, which I think everyone should consider, but this time I thought I'd try and gain a bit of money back, with a few items left to donate to the charity shop, as you need to keep them going one way or another. I'm a little apprehensive about the next stage, the selling, but it's worth a shot to make a bit of money back on the unused items. Here goes...

It's Monday Funday #7 - Lucozade...

I'm very sorry that I missed last weeks Monday Funday, it has been a busy few weeks, and it feels like I'm forever saying that, but hey life has busy and slow times. Anyway, here, at last, is the 7th Monday Funday (just pretend it's not Tuesday whilst you read this hehe). This weeks post is an advert by Lucozade. I'm not too fussed by their product (not what they want to hear), but the advert is really great. It vibes summer, warmth, slow-mo, sunshine, California, skateboarding and roller-skating. What more could you really ask for? It has definitely put me in the summer mood and I absolutely cannot wait. Roll on the summer and the good times...

Sweeeet Photography...

I am a fan of photography, well who isn't! But I love following the stories of photographs and how the photographer develops the story. I've just discovered Esther Havens, an amazing American humanitarian photographer. Her photos are really beautiful and iconic, I've picked a few of my favs for you to enjoy too...

Esther Havens website

It's Monday Funday #6 - Cadbury...

I would like to apologise for my lack of blogging lately, I've just about managed to hang on by a thread to the Monday Funday posts. I'm in my final week of university and have essays coming out of my ears...but fear not, the end is definitely in sight! So todays Monday Funday is not a song (sorry, I haven't been listening to much this week), but it is a great advert that has just recently been released by Cadbury - The Dancing Clothes, "a GLASS and a HALF FULL of JOY". Have a fun-filled, joyful week everyone. I'll see you on the essay-free other side. Yeeeeeha...

It's Monday Funday #5 - Jamie Woon...

Ahhh, I'm so so sorry, I completely forgot about yesterdays 'Monday Funday', combination of essay, baking and a friends princess party, which may I add was a very lovely, royal evening! Back to the crazy fun, this week I actually have been listening to some music, one person in particular, the man that is Jamie Woon, British born singer who recently released a very nice sounding album. My favourite, which I may have listened to on repeat, is Spirits. I've had the little melodies in my head all week and just keep humming them, a sign of a great song. I challenge you to listen to the song without humming it after, be prepared, you may ever so slightly struggle...

It's Monday Funday #4 - Cartwheeling Verger...

Another beautiful sunny day here in the UK and I'm loving every minute of it, although it's a little too windy to actually sit outside right now, it's still nice to look at. I'm a little snowed under with work right now and surprisingly haven't actually listened to much music all week. In light of this and the Royal wedding that has just passed, to fulfill today's fun-ness, here's a little sneaky video taken after all of the ceremony festivities. Genius...

Wills and Kate Got Hitched...

Yes folks, they got married, and what a beautiful wedding it was. I'm not a massive patriot but I definitely felt proud to be British. My family (mainly sister) pulled out all the stops to put on the perfect afternoon tea, with an abundance of spectacular sandwiches, a wide selection of cheeses, some crunchy crackers and some sweet treats, including scones of course, to end the decadent meal. We put the TV on at around 9am to catch all of the wonderful outfits of the arriving guests and didn't turn it off until mid-afternoon, we just didn't want to miss a thing. I think my highlight of the ceremony was William's cheeky grin, he tried so hard to contain himself but you could see that a smile just wanted to burst out! So the dress! My my, it was beautiful. Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen did a superb job, even Kate's second dress, which was even more simpler was still elegantly beautiful. Two days on from the wedding and I'm still taking a peek at photos from the special day, I think this one of Kate and Pippa is my favourite. Simple. Stylish. Elegant. Royal. And most of all... Iconic...

Skate4Cancer...

Skate4Cancer is an organisation set up by Rob Dyer in Canada. I'm not entirely sure how I came across S4C, I think something to do with a link on Twitter. Anyway, I love what they are about. I watched a bunch of videos and documentaries to find out what they've been up to over the past few years. Basically, Rob skates from A to B raising awareness for cancer. His first venture was from Los Angeles, America, to Toronto, Canada, an amazingly long journey to prove that "anything can be done with enough determination" - a good motto to live life by. Seeing organisations like this pop up fills me with awe and excitement, that people are really stepping out of their comfort zones in order to make a difference. I wanted to share S4C because I really admire what they are doing. The simplicity of skating for cancer is so powerful. One man, joined by a group of followers, fulfilling his dream to save others. Dream.Love.Cure...

Rob doing his thing

It's Monday Funday #3 - Fleet Foxes...

Whoops! 13 minutes left of Monday Funday in the UK, I may have slightly got distracted by the bank holiday today, in my defence, I had a very lovely chilled out day with two of my great friends in London. So for this sunny, royal week, listen to the beautiful Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues. After hearing them play a live show on Radio 1 last week, I fell in love with the band. I had heard of them before but never pursued any further. Anyway, I was driving along and their live set popped onto the radio and I was hooked, so much so I almost didn't want to get out of the car when I arrived at my destination (in case anyone wants to know, I unfortunately did abandon the show, but enjoyed every minute that I did hear). So good news, they're actually about to release a brand spanking new album in a couple of weeks, Helplessness Blues being one of the new tracks. I am definitely going to be preparing my ears for the new songs. I think I could listen to Fleet Foxes all day, their music is so calming and pretty and melodic...

Happy Easter...

I hope you have all had a delightful day, remembering the real reason why we celebrate Easter, chilled out with family and friends, had a sneaky little bit of chocolate and most importantly, relaxed! Bank holiday weekends (especially this special one) are there to be used as a rest and resource treat! The sun has been shining today, well all weekend, making an even more perfect break. I'm a big fan of making gifts for people, so for Easter this year, I decided to bake some Easter inspired cupcakes and cookies. Take a look, I'll admit, they were very delicious, and they went down a treat with my family. Handmade gifts are sometimes the best. Nothing says love like a gift made with your heart and hands... 

The Royal Wedding...

I made an impromptu visit to London this morning for a little shopping, and my golly, going into London first thing is sooo nice! With barely anyone around, the shop was so easy to wonder around and browse. From my internship days in London last year, I forgot how calm it is on the streets at that time of the morning. Anyway, sorry for the distraction, back to the Royal Wedding. So Prince William and Kate are getting married in just over a week and it seems that everyone is doing their part to support the national event. Regent Street being a great example. They've hung massive Union Jack bunting all down the street, it looks so pretty and patriotic. There are also a vast amount of street parties going ahead up and down the UK, I haven't totally decided what I will be doing on the day, but it will most definitely involve viewing the wedding (on TV). These kind of events don't occur often, so why not make the most of it. If you get the chance to go to a street party, definitely go to it...

Metro

It's Monday Funday #2 - The Joy Formidable...

A sign of a good song, in my opinion, is when you absolutely cannot get it out of your head. When you have a moment of nothingness, suddenly the song springs back to play and you begin endlessly humming the tune, nodding your head and shaking your shoulders. In light of this, today's song is The Joy Formidable - Whirring, a great Welsh trio bursting with catchy songs. I've had a weekend, well a few weeks filled with writing essays, and here and there I'll get drawn to listening to some songs to help me through the monotonous days, Whirring being one of them. I love the up-beat introduction and the riff that continues throughout. I love that you can't help but tap your feet to the beat. I love the short phrases. And I love the power and passion in the lady's voice. Sit back, grab a cuppa and take a few minutes out of your busy day to enjoy the song and appreciate some of the beautiful Welsh hills, at least I assume the video is shot in Wales...

The Girl With a Hood...

Yes that's right folks, the girl with a hood is back! Little Red Riding Hood modernised to Red Riding Hood, starring Amanda Seyfried. The film is about to hit the screens here in the UK and I am very excited to go and see it. From watching the trailer it looks a little spooky and mysterious, the same vibe as The Village and also the Twilight films - unsurprisingly as it has the same director as Twilight. One scene that really stood out to me was the glacier scene, where a hand-made 20ft long red cape has been used. It looks so beautiful against the pure white snow. I'm looking forward to all the other cinematographic and costume treats...

It's Monday Funday - Angus and Julia Stone...

Hello and welcome to a wonderful new week. Today, as you know, is Monday, let the fun begin. So with the anticipation over, the very first Monday Funday song is... Angus and Julia Stone - And The Boys. Brother and sister duo from Australia, I just love their voices. I can imagine sunny days whilst endlessly listening to their beautiful music. Check out their music video to And The Boys, it's really nicely done, enjoy...

It's Pimms O'Clock...

Pimms, lemonade, ice and a slice. A sign of summertime, chilled afternoons and a cool sparkly drink to tantalise your taste-buds. With an expected high of 21 degrees today, a glass of Pimms is most welcome to sit alongside my first barbecue of the year! Yum, my tummy and taste-buds cannot wait. The perfect sunny Sunday afternoon combo...

Monday Funday...

Monday is perceived as the worst day of the week, but why? It's the start of a brand spanking new week, full of expectations and dreams to be fulfilled. I love music and I listen to it a lot and I feel that including music will help me to keep up-to-date with blogging. It will also provide great tunes to ensure everyone gets a great start to the week. A good song will always put you in a good mood. Keep your eyes peeled for the fun that is Monday...

Topshop Sparkles...

Topshop are soon to be launching a wowza dress collection! They're real pretty, maybe a little too glitz for me, but all the same, I can't wait to take a peek and try them on. I think I'd have to say the white polka dot is my fav, what's yours...?

Let's Go Britain...

In case you haven't already seen this advert, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, I love it. There's a mixture of classic Visa cheese ("life flows better with Visa"), and uplifting music playing throughout whilst you follow past and present olympic stars training. Check it out, and enjoy. Team 2012 we're ready and waiting...

THE Dress...

My graduation day is in a few months and I have been doing a bit of dresspiration (researching for the perfect dress). As my research has taken me far and wide, I'm afraid I can't remember where I found all the images. Some high-street, some high-fashion and some even hand-made. All in all, they're all beautiful pieces that I would love to get my hands on. From looking at all of the images, I guess you could say there is a bit of a pattern going on, there's a big neutral theme, plus sheer fabrics, empire lines and collars. It's safe to say that at least my idea of THE dress is quite similar, not a mish mash of all the pretty dresses that are out there. I've seen a few dresses that I have really liked and almost purchased, but I didn't completely love them. Sometimes waiting is the best solution! If you're not completely happy, then there in itself, is your answer. So my hunt for THE dress continues, hopefully I'll find the one that I love...

Dangly Triangles...

...in other words, bunting! Triangular shapes of material sewn along a reel of ribbon hung in the perfect place to add that cute factor to any room or garden. With the upcoming royal wedding and the possibilities of national 'street' parties, bunting is a must-have accessory for this season. I'm having a birthday tea party in a few weeks (40's themed as you do), and I had full intention of creating a bunting masterpiece but unfortunately with a mixture of assignments and not enough days, I have decided to fork out the money and buy some. On a quick and random internet search, I came across these ones from homefromthesea. Although bunting is quite generic, I just love the quirkyness of this photo. The mistyness mixed with the bending sticks mixed with the pebbley beach makes a great promotional tool for the bunting (on another note, in case you were wondering what I study, I'm a marketing student, hence the subtle jargon). Sometimes I think the best way to sell a product is to place it in an 'out of the ordinary' setting. It illuminates it and draws the potential customer in to interpret the story for themselves. Although, care has to be taken to ensure that it doesn't stray too far away from the main point. Losing customers because of confusion would be a catastrophe...

The Cake Pop Craze...

Mmm, don't these cute little Cake Pops look so delicious and tempting! One bite (maybe two) and they're gone. Recent years have seen many baking trends in all different shapes and sizes, from cupcakes to Parisian macaroons to now, the Cake Pop. I can't wait to experiment and make some of my own. I don't think I'll be as adventurous as Bakerella, but I can only try...

Oops...

Soo my new years resolution was to write on here more, and truth be told, I haven't kept up with it very well. My life is consumed by being a final year university student. Saying that, I will definitely endeavor to keep up.

Just for fun, take a look at this clip. The actor Aaron Johnson busting some moves for the new R.E.M track (although I'm not an R.E.M fan, the video is pretty funny) Enjoy...

Tear Jerker TV...

Like many people, I am indeed a sucker to a good TV programme. From period dramas to business related to ethical to American cheese. The list is quite long. I get sucked into the story lines, following the different characters journeys, fictional or non-fictional. The one resounding similarity to most of the shows I watch is the the sad factor - it could be the rejection of contestants or the ethical theme.

One great show on the BBC at the moment is 'Famous, Rich and in the Slums'. It pulls you in from every direction. The feeling of neglect and not being able to do anything for the poverished people involved is heart-wrenching. I'm not usually one to cry at the TV, but my eyes were well and truly welling up (thankfully I was on my own, no embarrassing sniffs to share). I think the main reason why I watch these types of programmes is to expand my knowledge and open up my eyes and views to different cultures and ways of living. Obviously, another key reason to watching TV is to relax. Sometimes there is nothing better than putting your feet up, grabbing a cuppa and watching a good show. Nothing strenuous to think about, just following the story.

On another note, in case anyone was wondering how my Fairtrade Fortnight challenge went...Well lets just say that supermarkets on the whole do not stock very much. I tried my very best, but when not found, I opted for organic or chose to support a local small brand. The Fortnight challenge has opened my eyes to realise that Fairtrade or organic products are not that much more than the standard. So if we all chip in a little extra, that little extra will have a bigger impact than we could ever imagine...

A Fairtrade Fortnight Frenzy...

Today marks the first day of this years Fairtrade Fortnight. Although I already purchase some Fairtrade products, for these next two weeks I have decided to only buy Fairtrade (obviously I won't be able to for everything because some supermarkets only offer a small collection). So, changing that, I will try and only buy Fairtrade products. Why not try it yourself or find another way that you can actively participate. Have a fun and Fair week...

I Found My Shoe...

So I found a shoe, not quite mine, but a shoe all the same. You always find bizarre things at the beach, entwined with seaweed, shells, driftwood, rope, and squidgey things from the sea, which I'm not sure are plants or just odd looking creatures. So since my previous post about how I should visit the beach more, I have managed to make it there three times. I know that it doesn't sound very many especially as I wrote the post nearly a month ago, oops! But I feel that it's a step in the right direction and I shall continue to pursue my beach adventures. Although the sun hasn't come out to play yet, the mysterious mistyness of today's beach excursion was almost as enticing as a bright summers day. Never judge a grey cloud by it's colour...

To those reading my blog, I would like to say thank you! At the moment I'm not quite sure where I'm heading with this, I'm still finding my feet and wondering where the boundary lies between writing for the sake of it and actually wanting to share something interesting. Keep your eyes peeled, and watch this space...

Sun, Snow and Skiing...

The best three S's! So tomorrow I'm heading to the wonderful French Alps, Chamonix and Les Houches to be precise. Take a peak at this little snap taken today, beautiful!

Having been skiing quite a few times, none in the past three years, I am very excited to be heading back onto the mountain for a slight extreme sport adventure! After many months of being cooped up inside writing essays, a week full of fresh air will do me good. On that note, I am going to make an extra effort to be more active in my lifestyle and appreciate the beachyness of where I live at uni. It may not be sandy but it's got waves and a place to sit and ponder about anything and everything. These days, I think we don't give ourselves enough time to totally relax, empty our minds and enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a moment (or a few) to be swallowed up into your surroundings, it'll do you some good...no-one can ever think too much...

Day 24...

So it's the 24th January today and 24 days ago I set a new year's resolution... keep up-to-date with my blog. It may be a little late, but here goes.

I've had a busy past few months, I'm in my final year of university, my dissertation was due and I had 7 more deadlines on top of that. Now that they are all out of the way (hooray! for the moment) I now have a little bit of spare time. As my mind wonders from work to the great abyss, I'm starting to think about where and what I want to do after I graduate. It's a scary thought to think that what I do next may lead me to the rest of my life, although that makes it sound like a bad thing - quite the opposite, I'm completely excited that I can start making my stamp on the industry. Ethical and eco companies are where my heart lies and are my first point of call. Here goes...the beginning of the rest of my life! Totally psyched! In the words of none other than Martin Luther King himself, "I have a dream!" Keep going with where you're heading, dreams aren't there to just be thought about, act upon them and start living them...