Tarts & Silks

Last week, I met up with Alex... She recently moved to London but we both have had so much on that we haven't had a moment to get together. She came up with a fantastic idea - to do something really fun, out of the usual and new to the both of us - to take part in an Aerial Silk class! With the class being physically demanding and new to us both, we had to concentrate on the task in hand and forget any worries or stresses we were holding onto. We giggled, we fell and we had an absolute blast. 

For first attempt I'd say I did alright! 

Gymnasts for the day!

We finished our Aerial session with very sore hands and extremely hungry bellies! But considering it's been so long since we've caught up, we must've walked another 90 minutes consumed in conversation before we sat down for food. We walked upon a beautiful little cafe called Tart  in Clapham. Oh WOW. Trust me when I say you have to visit this place - the tarts are delicious, such friendly and helpful staff and a great little hangout. Will definitely be going back there soon!

Butternut squash and goats cheese tart with a watermelon salad

Fresh out the oven treacle tart and a raspberry brownie (we shared!)

It was such a fun day out together and I'm now considering to take part in an Aerial Silks course!! We have pledged to see each other much more now we've settled a bit - so next week we're off to see Cinderella at the cinema and for anyone that knows me, you know I can never say no to a bit of Disney!!

Jessica Xx

Baby Showers, Mother's Day & Home Visits

Oh how much I love home visits...

I've just been home to Manchester to see the family for the weekend and I had a beautiful time of course. I love home visits, I have the BEST family!! And what's exciting is I'm back again this weekend! I arrived on Friday, spent some special Mother Daughter time with my mummy, I had a scale and polish with my Aunty (and now my teeth are sparkly clean!) and watched Red Nose Day with my Mummy (lots of tears). 

My Mums bag of goodies for Mothers Day!

As my step sister is due any moment, we threw a beautiful baby shower for her on the Saturday. She's expecting her first child, a baby boy, and of course we're all very excited for another family arrival (we love babies in our family!).

Baby Shower Tea Party - Grannys teacups, saucers and side plates (so quaint and beautiful!)

I baked basic Vanilla Cupcakes for the baby shower using a recipe by Mary Berry (it never fails me). I ordered decorations from Amazon online - little sugar decorations - blue feet, teddy bears, bottles, prams and some edible sparkles! I baked them the night before and iced them on the Saturday morning. I saw this sweet idea on Pinterest to cut out a little bit of the middle of each cake and fill them with icing in the colour of the babies gender (so blue for boy). They're called gender reveal cakes - although we all knew her baby was a boy so it was no surprise, just a cute idea.

They were delicious & sparkly!

Now we just have to wait for that phone call to say she's gone into labour...we're all patiently waiting! Fingers crossed he'll arrive this weekend whilst I'm at home as Tom and I will be able to meet him!

Jessica Xx

Bruges you're beautiful!

So Tom & I have recently come home from our lovely little trip away to Bruges and I wanted to blog about this just to show you how beautiful Bruges is & hopefully to persuade you to put it on your wish list!

We found a trip on Secret Escapes and although neither of us had used the company before, we decided to give it a try and to our absolute delight, the trip was a huge success! Secret Escapes really did live up to it's luxurious promise!

He fell asleep!

When we arrived off the Eurostar we happily hopped onto a local train from Brussels to Bruge and it took about 50 minutes to get there. It was all very easy to do and considering we're now adults, I think we coped quite well with it all! Then we grabbed a taxi from the station to our hotel, which only took 5 minutes or so and once we arrived, the lengthy journey was all worth it.

We arrived at Hotel Dukes Palace and my oh my it was gorgeous! It kind of reminded Tom and I of something from Harry Potter or a fairytale with it's stunning gate and castle like building at the front of the hotel. Once checking in, we were so giddy to see our room that we didn't read any signs or follow anyones advice and we ended up stuck in the lift for about 5 minutes pressing the emergency alarm and everything! You have to press your room key against the lift button to get anywhere, we clearly missed that sign (silly us!).

The bathrobes were enormous!!

Our room was big, spacious and very well laid out. Very comfortable bed, black out curtains and a lovely mirror in the bathroom, perfect for my make up and hair in the mornings! My only disappointment was they gave us a bathroom which only contained a shower, and I love my baths (dammit!).

So whilst we were there we ate far too much food and drank far too much beer. Which is quite hilarious as I don't even typically like beer, however, the fruit beer I found was too good to miss! Extremely delicious chips (naughty) in Bruges, along with mussels, steak, waffles and hot chocolate. You have got to see the video of our hot chocolates...

Waffles & Hot Chocolate!

We will be back, definitely somewhere we would consider going back with young children for a nice break away with friendly locals and workers along with easy-going and accessible tourist attractions.

Bruges, we'll be back soon, we love you!

Jessica Xx

So I went away & now I'm back

Hello,

Sorry it's been so long, life had me all caught up & I think I gave up a little bit. Shame really as I want this blog to go places so I should really pull my socks up & give time to it. I am going to promise to myself right here right now to blog as often as possible and to make it amazing. Who wants anything less than amazing!?


So what's been going on with me since last blog post:
SO MUCH.

I have moved in with my long term boyfriend, the one I met at Uni, fell head over heels for & is now the love of my life.

I couldn't be happier with my situation. Tom & I are happy, like fairytale happy. Apart from a few normal hiccups, we're over-the-moon-reach-for-the-stars kind of happy!

I got an assistant manager job at my long standing (well 2 years) job in retail. Ok, so it's nothing special & it isn't my career, but everyone's got to start somewhere hey?! It pays the bills & I love what I sell. And for those of you ever feeling down about your situation, do what I'm doing now and promise yourself it's just a stepping stone to something even better. Be proud of where you are now and be determined to get where you want to be.

I'm 24, feeling quite 'grown up' and mature, turning 25 this year. Half of 50. WOW. Is it time for babies yet!? (hehe)

A few more members of the family have been born (nieces x3, nephew x1) and one more on the way. A couple more weddings including one this Halloween and one next summer. Some trips, travels, festivals and adventures been had and more to come.

Me & my beautiful cuz at a Yoga loving hippie festival Summer 2014

I will be blogging about my recent trips to Scotland & Bruges, along with loads more. So watch this space!! 

Jessica Xx

Irresistible

Last night I went to see Charlie & The Chocolate Factory The Musical at Drury Lane Theatre London. The reviews I had seen before going weren't too inspiring so I kind of went with a very open mind and no expectations. I can't believe it now - why would people review it badly?!?! It's seriously magically theatrically incredible!!! Everything from the chocolate fountain to the glass lift is in the production and these iconic parts of the film are done so well on stage that it makes the story come alive right in front of your eyes. I'd love to go back and see it again! Those children are very talented, and WOW Willy Wonka is a perfect casting. 

I also went to dance last night right before the theatre - little rushed, and I arrived at the theatre all sweaty and red, but hey ho I'm so glad I went! My teacher is so supportive and it makes me want to constantly better myself as a dancer. Realistically, to better myself I need to be going to a ballet class at least once a week to help my turn out and basic techniques, then to my jazz at least twice a week and then a yoga class for flexibility once a week as well as the gym twice or three times a week to do weight training. That would be ideal. BUT, work somehow loves to get in the way! URGH. Growing up, working, living in the 'real' world really does suck sometimes. It makes me really want to go back and study for a little longer!!! (hmmm...)

I'm going to a Pilates class tonight at Sweaty Betty after work which should be good. I'll miss not going to dance today - but I'll go again Thursday if I can!! Just had my bowl of goodness and now onto my morning coffee, lovely!

Days off are the best

Yesterday was an amazing day. Not only was it my first day off in 8 days, I also went back to dance classes after over a year off from it. It was pretty scary, but as soon as I got there and realised not a lot has changed but my technique (which I am willing to work on) I relaxed into it and I literally was in love with every second there. What truly made my night, was the teacher from Pineapple had not forgotten me - "Long time no see Jessica, good to have you back" - I was so shocked, and hugely flattered!

we did a routine to Lissie When I'm Alone

I had a fun day off re-arranging my room, drawers and wardrobe - throwing out lots of old clothes to hopefully at some point, replace with some new! Then I went to my beloved WholeFoods and bought my monthly must-haves which include:

Udos Choice Ultimate Oil Blend

Never have I ever had such spot-free, smooth skin and a clear complexion before, these capsules really have worked for me, I swear by them.

JASON tea tree body wash

What a lovely body wash - really nourishing plus it has no parabens!! It's filled with wholesome ingredients only - love that!

Chia Seeds

This is a new monthly must have for me, I have yet to try them but I want to get in on the chia-craze! So I think I'll try making a smoothie with them in :) how exciting!

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

This is such a gorgeous body moisturiser, really helps on dry skin too - which I generally get on my arms for some reason!

Udos Choice Beyond Greens

This stuff has 33 superfoods, proteins from seeds and greens and tons of fibre...whats not to like?! Ok well, I have never tried it...I bought it new yesterday and today will be my first use. Soooo I will report back on this one. It may taste gross, but I'm willing to try it because it's full of the good stuff! Plus, after my success with Udos Choice, I really do believe in this brand!

Today is another day off, so I think I'll dance again, enjoy lots of lazying about then later on I'm off to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the theatre!!! 

Be beautiful.

Sitting in bed with Vogue September Issue, a bowl of granola and of course, my famous black coffee. 

Good Morning

Sometimes, I buy these magazines & I just flick through them, looking at pictures and not really taking much in. But this time, I am reading every single page, absorbing the pages & pages of fashion, celebrity and style. 

So far I've learnt that ballerinas attire will be in this season - with designers such as Lanvin and Nina Ricci sporting wrap around ballet cardigans and lots of ballet pink on the runway...That Cara Delevingne is just about the face of every single brand in Vogue at the moment, and if not her, it's Kate Moss (we know who to keep our eyes on!)...And that whatever job Miranda Kerr does, she shines - from being a Victoria Secret Angel (which could be so tacky if you really think about it) to being au natural and wearing nothing but oversized winter coats, she is an incredible model. The shoot is absolutely gorgeous, Alasdair McLellan did a beautiful job, as per usual (he has shot my brother before - how amazing is that!).

So taking my inspirations from my reads so far - today I'm going to dance, wearing leotards, wrap-arounds and the perfect amount of pink a red-head can pull off...tear up the magazine and create my photo board for the month & have a bit more fun with my eye make up today "Be bold. Be brave. Be beautiful." - Jessica Hogan. 

Create a playlist, read a magazine and drink lots of coffee. Enjoy!

Go out

Get some coffee

Meet a friend

Smile at a stranger

Buy some flowers

Sing loudly in the car

Get to the gym

Dance all night long

Drink wine

Do whatever it is that makes you happy today, because you only live once.

Jessica Xx

Working Out

Mum has bought me a little present to say well done on job and so we get to spend some time together in between my crazy london life...Oh and when I say little, I mean big - Rihanna Diamonds World Tour tickets!!! Couldn't be happier. Thank-you Mummy!

This girl definitely works out. I adore her figure - so toned yet womanly! Such an inspiration to me right now. When I work out I put Rihanna's album on and imagine looking like her on the beach!! It keeps me motivated!! 

Last night I did a 5k then worked on my triceps, abs and chest. My wrist was playing up a little so didn't do as much weights as I would have wanted to. Don't want a blooming injury just before starting my first job!!

Going to the gym today, I'll do another 5k and then focus on legs, that ass and my abs again! Thinking for the next couple of weeks, I will try and fit in at least 3 5k's in each week. I love doing them, they make me feel really good afterwards. I sometimes feel that when I get to about 2k I want to give up, but I try my hardest to stay focused and then it suddenly kicks in - that easing off feeling and the feeling that you are doing something great. So I keep going! And it's bloody worth it in the end, I promise you!

In the gym I work out at at the moment, it has a juke box and a big cinema screen - you choose the music and the video plays in front of you - A-MAZING. So not only do I hear Rihanna's tunes, I see her - obviously that's a huge inspiration! Nothing like watching people with toned gorgeous bodies in front of you when you work out!!! If that doesn't keep you going, I don't know what would!

Right, off to listen to Rihanna and run! 

Jessica Xx

Big Smoke

Considering I'll be back in London in less than a month, I best get myself sorted. Got a lot of planning to do, house searching, money making and tick lists to complete! First off, location! Deciding on location is pretty damn hard, especially when your poor. All I'm asking for is a lovely 2 bedroom flat, spacious, clean, nice bathroom and kitchen, with a large living space and maybe parking ... is this too much to ask with £10 per month?! Just kidding. Well not about what would be ideal, as that would be perfect. However, I do require a safe area too, preferably in lovely west london with a balcony and pretty views, oh and close to a Wholefoods...OK now I'm definitely dreaming! Basically, what I want and what I can afford are obviously on two completely different scales, so I best get my thinking cap on (realistic one on too!) and get looking! Any wonderful suggestions??

So today I'm gyming it, that is once I've done everything else on my to-do list! I'm going to focus on upper body - chest, back and arms. Will fill you all in with my exercise routine in another post as considering I'm now a qualified personal trainer, I am definitely going to be posting more on exercise, health, nutrition and fitness! Just been sat here this morning reading the April issue of Health & Fitness, it's a really great read actually. This issue I really enjoyed - especially page 10 'Are We Too Vain?' article. It basically talks about the reasons people exercise and possibly that a lot of us begin exercise or do it for aesthetic reasons only. But, by changing the way you view exercise - you should see many more health benefits and gains, plus you're much more likely to stick with your exercise plans for life rather than as a short term fad. A little something, something to think about hey!

Enjoy your day

Jessica Xx

It's Simple Darling

So, it's been a while since I've blogged. But I'm back. So less of the worrying ;)

I am proud to say I am now a qualified Personal Trainer, Zumba Instructor and Fitness Professional. And I had my first ever job interview the other day, in fact I had two, and I can not believe I am saying this, but I got both jobs!! So the choice is mine. W-O-W. Not only are they wonderful job offers for my first job, and a fantastic place to start my career, the location is a dream as the job is in Covent Garden!

Celebrate your successes with parties, wine and lots and lots of laughter 

As I have not blogged in a long time, I decided to take a look at my older posts, and strangely enough one of my first posts called 'No.4' told about what I would love to do before I die. Slightly morbid I know. But then again, to look at it now, it's quite nice to know I am able to put a tick by some of those things! I had written:

To have been to drama school, kept a blog going, fall in love, have children, get married, work with incredible directors, be silly, learn from my mistakes, buy a house, decorate it (many a times), eat without a care in the world, improve my singing, become the best dancer I can be, watch more films, work with robert pattinson (have sex with robert pattinson), be in Spring Awakening, eat meat again, make more friends, travel the world, find inner peace...The list is endless, I promise.

Ok, I have not had children, gotten married or had sex with Robert Pattinson BUT...

I now eat meat

My blog, although had a little break, is still going

I have fallen in love, been in a relationship for 8 months now and life is good

I watch more films, laugh more and I can say I have learnt from some of my mistakes

So all in all, I am achieving my life long dreams slowly but surely. As some things have changed, I am going to write a new one.

Jessica 

Xx 

Inside My Love

She's amazing.

Machine

SO. On Monday I begun my Personal Training course! It's Tuesday and I am dead. I think I am coming down with something & my muscles are seriously sore...I am waddling!! However...I LOVE it. The course, the people, the environment and the actual fact that I'm really engaging my brain and my pushing my physical fitness makes me so happy and motivated. 

Being an intensive course means I have a bloomin lot to learn in very little time, so I am extremely sleepy with a brain of mashed potatoes right now! I feel so inspired though, and the fact that I am making positive changes while doing such a healthy and positive course makes life that little bit more enjoyable and relaxed. 

I have goals. I have aims. I have routines. I have revision. I have homework. BUT. I have a social life. I have a love life. I have fun. I chill out.

I WORK HARD I PLAY HARD

and wow I feel good for it, finally getting that balance right I think!

I encourage you all to get the balance right, being healthy, happy, positive and challenged keeps you going I believe.

Smiles are so inviting.

I so agree with this. When I see someone so immaculately presented I kind of wonder how interesting of a person can they be! Sounds a little silly, and I'm not being judgemental here - I will give anyone a chance! But, what I mean is, it's nice to not be perfect. Perfection does not even exist! So instead of us all striving for something that is not accessible why don't we start enjoying our imperfect selfs and realising who we are is who we are and we should be proud of it.

I know, being the type of person I am, I have been there - wanting to be perfect - but now I work towards being the best I can be without killing myself doing that! You can't be amazing if you aren't healthy. People will find it hard to accept you if you don't accept yourself. So stop worrying about silly things and worry about your happiness.

 Smiles are so inviting. 

Xx

The girl with effortless style

Elizabeth Olsen in VOGUE US October 2012

She is naturally beautiful and appears to not try too hard when it comes to fashion choices, yet everything she wears looks amazing. I'm not surprised by this considering she's the younger sibling of the most fashionable twins alive right now...but still! 

I have fallen in love with her.

Jessica

Xx

Distance

I'm back! It's been a while, I've been one busy little bee but I'm back and I'm back to blogging!

Anyway, just wished to say "Hi, I'm back...will post more, a lot more...so yeah." Thanks for following! 

Jessica

Xx

Hair issues

I have an issue. 

I can not decide whether or not to go back blonde/blonde-ish or stay my red colour.

This is me blonde.

What do we think?

Help.

X

dance school

Next week, I begin a summer course at Laban Trinity Dance which I am ridiculously excited for. I have literally been sorting my dance attire out today and practising a few things as I feel I am so unfit and really not that flexible at the moment so I'm a tad scared I'll be terrible and stand out like a sore thumb! But fingers crossed this won't be the case. 

I'm going to take lots of photos over the next two weeks and hopefully then review my course and have more decisions made about whether I am strong enough to audition for dance schools etc. It's a tough one, but I think this course will help me see where I stand in the ranking!

Anyway, purely for my entertainment and hopefully some of you will enjoy it too, I have put together some beautiful photographs of incredible dancers to get me in the dancing-spirit (not that that is too hard!). Enjoy!

Jessica

Xx