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

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!

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

Saturday is my day

Saturday is coming to a close and although I have literally done nothing today, I feel as though I've achieved a lot. Plus I have enjoyed my nothing-ness day! It's as if I really needed a day like today. My head feels clear, my room is clean, I am happy and I know I'll have lots of lovely sleep tonight!

Today, as I said, hasn't been filled with lots of major plans - however I seem to have done a few bits and bobs and just made it a very leisurely saturday. It has indeed been wonderful.

I popped to do my food shop and picked up some others bits and bobs to keep me entertained today!

Oh the colours are too pretty!

I chose 208 PAPARAZZI for my girlie mood

Then I went wild and added some sparkles...I think I'm still a 6 year old girl!

I had my performances of Animal Farm yesterday, which to my very surprise, actually went ok! I admittedly did not enjoy the whole process of being in that play, however, the performances were fun and the audience appeared to enjoy themselves. It wasn't the best show of the week, I know that! However, to have made everyone laugh and knowing everyone in that audience smiled that evening because of us - well that's enough for me! It's over now anyway and I am very happy to say that for my last project at East 15 Acting school I have been picked by the brilliant director Hamish Gray (who has recently been in Salmon Fishing In The Yemen) to be in I Remember Mama by John Van Druten! Plus I am working with my best friends on it as we were all picked by him (privileged!). This news has made my weekend!

I bought this bubble bath purely because of this little quote on the bottle! (I love it!) Oh, and it smells divine.

I made a yummy smoked salmon dinner mmm

This song is amazing to put on when meditating & relaxing

I did a short amount of yoga & meditation to get me sleepy before bed

And now Saturday is over and I'm in bed watching Friends. The little things are what count...do something every day to make yourself smile. It makes a world of difference!

And now I'm watching Friends in bed with a Vanilla tea!

I hope everyone has had a relaxing saturday too.

Night night sweet dreams!

Jessica

Xx

Vanity

Inspired me

So at the moment, I think Miley is looking beautiful. She seems to be getting everything right. Her fashion, style, hair and body. Honestly I'm inspired! I especially love this photo, it's naturally wonderful. 

Black and white photos are so classically beautiful. I wish to buy a camera, a better one than I have right now, so I can go ahead and take lots of lovely black and white photos of people in their natural states. Makes me excited - just the thought!

Who's inspiring you at the moment? 

Jessica 

Xx

Sweet life

I am spending my Sunday baking, eating, coffee drinking & present wrapping. How delightful!

I collect mugs. Yes I'm THAT cool.

I have made two cakes already. One beautiful victoria sponge for my mothers birthday tomorrow then a small sugar-free, wholemeal flour cake for me! I am filling the both of them with fruit, jam and maybe a little buttercream!

Life is too short to not enjoy cake!

Elle Fanning looking sweet.

Whats your favourite cake?

Jessica

Xx