Wimbledon 2014

I’ve played tennis since the age of 6 and been a tennis fan in general since before I can remember, but the moment June begins my love for the sport takes a significant leap as, yes, the month of June means the beginning of the world’s biggest- and best- sporting event: WIMBLEDON.

Tennis is the one sport that I can happily sit and watch to its completion, it simply never gets boring. But it’s not just my love of the sport that has me tuning in, but the event itself. It’s quintessentially British, and everything that makes me proud of my nationality. From the strict ‘All-white’ rule, to its traditions, etiquette and popular British pastime of queuing, Wimbledon showcases the best of British.

Going to Wimbledon and sitting on Centre Court watching my favourite tennis stars battle it out, under the unusually hot British sun with my strawberries and cream in tow, is placed high upon my Bucket List. When that day finally comes- and it will, I assure you- I want to be prepared. So, I have put together a little collection of my favourite outfits worn by celebrities and TWAGS (as they are now referred to). Take a peep….

 

 

 

 

Wimbledon has also become synonymous with the classic pairing of Strawberries and Cream. To give a modern twist on this traditional Wimbledon custom, I have found a recipe (courtesy of BBC Good Food) to try out in preparation of the day for WHEN it comes.

Strawberry Cheesecakes

Ingredients

• 85g low-fat biscuits (we used Weightwatchers ginger biscuits)
• 200g tub extra-light soft cheese
• 200g tub 0% fat Greek yogurt
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• few drops vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp good-quality strawberry jam
• 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced

 

Method

1. Put the biscuits in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin until you have chunky crumbs. Divide between 4 glasses or small bowls.
2. Beat the soft cheese, yogurt, sugar and vanilla together until smooth, then spoon over the crumbs and chill until you are ready to serve.
3. Stir the jam in a bowl until loose, then gently stir in the strawberries. Divide the strawberries between the cheesecakes and serve.

 

 

The Fault in Our Stars

Everyone had kept going on about The Fault in Our Stars and how wonderfully beautiful it was, and how I just HAD to read it. But it was the large-scale hype surrounding it which actually put me off picking it up and reading it. See, I’m a little strange in that I don’t like to do/try/read/watch something just because everyone else is saying I should (some call this being stubborn, I like to call trying it be different). So, just like Breaking Bad, I shrugged it off and vowed neither to read nor watch the story.

However, in true ‘me-style’, I caved. I had finished reading another book and in an effort to keep my brain working now that exams and Uni are finished for the summer I took a trip to a bookstore and did exactly what I said I wouldn’t do; I bought the book.

And now I’m here urging you- like my friends did unto me- to read.this.book. I loved it. Since the days of my English Literature A levels, I haven’t really read a book in the same, ‘normal’ way, as I now choose to analyse it; the language, the meanings and the characters.

The Fault in Our Stars is a true modern-day tragedy. It’s ridiculously romantic, but not in the conventionally traditional ‘Romeo and Juliet’ kind of way. The two main characters, Hazel and Augustus, have such similar personalities, with a striking wit and flare for sarcasm and are uniquely gifted in their ability to formulate some highly-intellectual comebacks, that their dialogue is so entertaining. And both, as they discuss within this dialogue, have their own hamartia's.

John Green doesn’t mean for the book to be just one thing, i.e. to be labelled as being a romance novel, or just a sad story. Just like the actual storyline, he pushes for it to be a telling of reality whereby there exists the pursuit of love, a few tragic and saddening parts, but also parts which warm the heart and make you laugh out loud.

He, through the characters he creates and their amazing dialogue; through the use of ‘reality’ within an entirely fictional tale, creates a uniquely compelling story which leaves you feeling somewhat content with your own life but at the same time forces you to contemplate on how quickly and how dramatically life can change.

Before you all don your scuba goggles as I start to plummet to crazy depths, I’ll stop in an effort to avoid ruining the story for you all (as I know you are now desperate to read it). But honestly, while the book didn’t necessarily- and cheesily- ‘change my life’, it did leave me in a continually contemplative mood, and even with a blocked nose, a blinding headache and a sore throat, I vowed to stop ever feeling down about my life as, truly, however bad life got, it could ALWAYS be worse.

My April Favourites

 

I know I have been MIA from my blog for a few weeks and, in all honesty, I have no excuse. I am sorry. However, here’s to hoping that I’ll be forgiven with this- My April Favourites, beauty, fashion, lifestyle and beyond…

1)      Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash -

Never has my skin felt so soft. Mamma Mia, this stuff is amazing! I use it every night after taking my make-up off and before cleansing. It works wonders, delving into and cleaning out all my pores, getting rid of dead skin and in just improving the look and feel of my face. I LOVE.

2)      Simple Skincare products-

Staying with the topic of skincare, I introduce Simple (VERY) kind to skin. My skin has the tendency to turn quite dry, especially in the winter months, but these products have shown me the light. I couldn’t choose just one as I love them all. The ones I use every day without fail are the cleansing wipes- which also remove make-up- and the hydrating moisturiser which caresses my skin like no other. If you haven’t tried out Simple products I urge you to do so, you’ll never look back.

3)      Oats and yoghurt-

Yes, this one is quite random but lately I’ve been having an absolute obsession with oats and vanilla yoghurt. A whole bag of oats costs around 75p (VERY student friendly) and lasts ages (even at the rate I go through them). I have them with banana, passion fruit and vanilla Onken yoghurt every morning, and sometimes another bowl as a snack. They’re high in fibre and low in salt and sugar- nutritious and yummy, what more could you ask for?

4)      Insanity Workout-

Now whilst I wouldn’t say this is a ‘favourite’ of the month, it sure is bloody good. It hurts like hell, makes you wish you’d never been born at times, and causes simple tasks like climbing the stairs to turn into mountain treks. Not sold it to you yet? Yes, it’s (as the name implies) insanely hard, but the results are insanely good- no pain, no gain after all...

5)      Topshop GLEAM pot

This stuff is amazing. At first I was a little dubious about spending £9 on a tiny pot of Topshop highlighter, but after reading raving review upon raving review of this product I gave in. And boy, aren’t I glad I did. Just add a bit to your cheekbones or wherever light normally hits your face and you’re set, it makes your skin gleam and look absolutely shamazing.

6)      Gossip Girl-

I am an absolute Gossip Girl Addict. I’ve seen every episode once before, but couldn’t resist the draw of Chuck and Blair, Nate and Serena any longer so, alas, I’ve started watching it again. If you’ve never seen an episode, then you’re missing out big time- love triangles, scheming and plotting, amazing clothes and parties all happening beneath a New York backdrop await you…

7)      YouTube

The world of YouTube and famous YouTubers was unknown territory for me before the start of the year, and I’ve only just started gaining an interest/ mild obsession for certain YouTubers and their videos. Zoella, Sprinkle of Glitter, Tanya Burr and Fleur De Force are among some of my favourites. Their haul videos, beauty tutorials and lifestyle vlogs have been constantly tuning in and subscribing. If you have yet to enter the world of YouTube then drop what you’re doing right now and get on it, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

8)      Avocado’s

These have become my new obsession, and I have them with nearly everything (last night I even ate some on its own) As well as being super yummy, avocado is also super healthy- they lower blood cholesterol levels, promote heart health and apparently have anti-cancer benefits…

9)      The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Ok, I know I may be a little behind the times with this one, as most people have already read all three of these wonderful books. However, such will not stop me proclaiming my love. I started this book a while back and for some reason just all of a sudden stopped reading it, but now I’m literally obsessed. I find any excuse to just sit and read it and have made it about ¾ the way through already. If you haven’t read/watched this trilogy then please do, they are incredibly addictive.

10)   Revlon Colourstay Foundation-

Lastly, we have my new favourite foundation. It’s durable, light and very good at hiding blemishes and just generally sorting out your face (to put it bluntly). This stuff has worked wonders for me, covering any redness or spots and providing the perfect base for the rest of my makeup. It is purse-friendly too (very important for a student like myself) and a firm favourite of mine for this month.

 

Have you any favourites from the past month that you’d care to share? If so, comment below!

The Lifestyle Revolution

Summer is fast approaching and whilst I don’t have an exotic holiday planned where I can lounge around on a golden beach, sipping cocktails and topping up my (non-existent) tan, I would like to have a somewhat acceptable ‘beach body’.

I joined the gym in January and for the first month or so was completely motivated, going straight there from my lectures to spend a good 20 mins each on the cross trainer, treadmill and bike. However, as time went on and essays piled up (and ‘naughty’ food began looking too good to resist), said motivation took a severe hit and, alas, I was left with none.

But in an effort to get back into this brief period of extreme motivation I have taken it upon myself to order the ‘Insanity Workout’ DVD’s. ‘The Hardest Workout ever put on DVD’, 60 days of muscle-searing exercise which is meant to produce ‘crazy-good’ results…hopefully.

I’ve heard great things about this workout and to be honest I’m pretty excited to start it tomorrow, though I’m pretty sure this optimism will diminish almost as soon as I press ‘Play’.

In addition, I’ve started to cook healthier meals, focussing on reducing the amount of starchy carbs in intake- this means waving goodbye to potatoes, rice, pasta and breads *cry*. Though this doesn’t mean I am cutting them out altogether, instead just limiting myself to the recommended 3-5 servings per day (i.e. where one serving= a cup of rice or pasta).

As well as this I am making myself consume a full, balanced breakfast everyday, I’m not really a breakfast person and, if it was healthy enough to, I would potentially miss it out altogether. Alas, it is not so, instead, I am attempting to have sufficient protein (30-40 grams), a complex carbohydrate, like oatmeal, and a piece of fruit in order to start my day off right.

The general steps I am following include:

1)      limiting my sugar consumption

2)      drinking more water

3)      drinking a black coffee before working out (this is particularly difficult as I am in no way a avid coffee drinker)

4)      eating 5-6 meals per day- though not big portions for each

5)      increasing my vegetable consumption

6)      consuming 25-30 grams of fibre per day- this includes bran cereal, oatmeal and beans

7)      eliminating junk food- such as crisps, chips and sweets (upsetting but kinda necessary)

All in all I am completely changing my lifestyle and, as my blog centres greatly on lifestyle topics, I thought such a post was both appropriate and necessary. I will keep you updated on my progress with the ‘Insanity’ workout as the days go on, as well as be posting any new (and healthy, of course) recipes or tips I come across on my ‘Lifestyle' tab!

 

`Any good tips or advice when trying to lose weight and tone up? If so, please do let me know- any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

Home sweet home

Crazily, my first year as a uni student is nearly up. I can't believe I've survived living on my own these past months; the idea of doing my own washing, cooking, cleaning and food shopping would once send shivers up my spine and have me running to my mum, begging her never to leave me. But, alas, after 6 months of solo living, these tasks come natural.

In my first year I did as many of my peers did, and lived in my university halls. I was blessed to be sharing my flat with some lovely girls, whom I have NEVER argued with, and a room big enough for my friends when they come and visit. However, it's location in regards to my campus in Central is not ideal, nor is the neighbourhood. Albeit I've never had any problems with my 'neighbours', and the daily commute has become one of my favourite times of the day when I can just relax, catch up on my messages, listen to some music and most importantly read through my Bloglovin' favourites. Having said all this, I am uber excited to be moving out come August as I am amazingly fortunate to have scored a flat in Kensington with my friend...oh, woe is me...

One of my all time favourite types of shopping is for home ware and I regularly browse the home sections dreaming about what I would purchase for my own home...when the time comes. H&M Home is, to me, absolutely amazing and they have so many things that I'm too excited to buy! Here are some of my ultimate faves --->

 

Come August I will be making a quick (and very excitable) trip to H&M to purchase some of the above, and I cannot wait!

<3

Do you, like me, love browsing the home ware sections? Any little gems you have found? If so, comment below!

New blog, new name, new post

Sometimes you just fancy a change. I know I've only had my blog for a matter of months, but I felt like I needed to make it more personal and more specific...as well as more updated and constant..

And, just like that 'ess-dee' was born. Using my initials I immediately feel more connected to my blog and ready to use it more as an online diary/scrapbook/photo album of my life in the Big City.

So, without further ado I welcome you to 'ess dee' and offer up some of my most favourite camera snaps as a way of opening this new site. Enjoy! <3