Lost in London...

Hey everyone,

As part of my self love summer I said I was going to be a bit more spontaneous and finally I did it. A few weeks ago I woke up checked my bank balance and decided I would head to London for the day. I had been dying to go to the Natural History Museum as I haven't been in years so what better of an excuse to head up on the train and go have a look.

(Left: Natural History Museum and Right: Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park)

The first real decision I had to make was whether I needed to top my oyster card up. It was a great day so I opted to walk around London and take more of the scenery in. It wasn't too long of a walk and I got to the Natural History Museum, although there were big queues I got in very quickly. I really wanted to see the dinosaur exhibition, as I am a massive dinosaur fan. However, with it being the school holidays and Jurassic World just being released (Thanks Chris Pratt) it was very popular and after a bit of a wait I got to go in. The exhibition was incredible with different dinosaur skeletons and animatronics along a walk way suspended above the information. I learnt so much about dinosaurs and I was really impressed with the giant T-rex.

(Left: WHALES, Right: My favourite dinosaur)

The dinosaurs weren't the only thing I checked out, I also had a look at the mammals exhibition. Just for the whales skeletons, sorry! It was really cool, lots of different whales and dolphins suspended from the ceiling and lots of other animals dotted around. I found out loads about different animals and walked away feeling very intellectual.

(Left: Carnaby Street, Right: My beautiful burrito from Chipotle)

After I spent some time wandering around the museum I decided to do a spot of shopping down Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Some of the items I got feature in my payday post. I felt like a true London girl (I even got asked for directions so I must have looked the part too). After some shopping I was in desperate need for food and after finding out the Chipotle had UK branches I made it my mission for some burrito loving. It was everything I hoped for and more. With so many choices I opted for a chicken burrito with brown rice, pinto beans, medium salsa, cheese, sour cream and of course guac (YES I KNOW ITS EXTRA, sorry). It was heaven, I managed to finish every bite and was each one was just as delicious as the first. It is officially my favourite Mexican chain now and I cannot wait for my next one.

(Left: Just a spot of shopping, Right: Everyone really wanted to go to the dinosaurs)

Have you been on any spontaneous trips recently? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram. Stay tuned for my next post which is all about my home town.

Love Katie x

July Payday Treats...

Hey everyone,

I have put myself on a very strict no shopping this month after a big blow out this payday, but that doesn't mean no payday post, after all you probably want to know all about my blowout?

(insert heart eyes emoji here)

This payday I really treated myself with a new rucksack, my old one sadly broke on me while I was in America last year. I did replace it but I wasn't in love with the replacement however, on my spontaneous adventure I walked into Zara and could not leave without this stunning leather look backpack. It will give an instant grungy yet chic edge to any outfit I pair it with, PERFECT.

(contrast trims are in... my wardrobe)

I also picked up these two cropped tee's from Topshop and H&M. I am completely in love with the Foxes tee (part of the HMLovesMusic collection, which is great) and the contrast trim style of the Topshop tee is perfect with some mom style jeans for that 90's vibe.

(The holy grail, white jeans that do not go see through)

I also recently have got back into loving jeans and there is nothing more summery than a pair of white jeans. This was a challenge in itself as super stretchy jeans tended to go see through over my thighs and no matter what size I tried it didn't seem to help. Then Topshop came to my rescue and their white Jamie jeans now have a firm place in my wardrobe and I am looking forward to wearing them out for chilled drinks this summer.

(Topshop really know how to do denim)

While hunting for the perfect white jean I also discovered this stunning denim pinafore dress (also Topshop) this teamed with my cropped tees or a sweater on cooler days again will throw me straight back to the 90's (where I truly belong... I think anyway).

Have you guys treated yourself to anything new this payday? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram.
See you Wednesday,

Love Katie x

Landan Town...

Hey Everyone,

For Christmas my dad's girlfriend got my two brothers and I tickets to see Bend it Like Beckham the Musical and, finally after months of waiting it was time to go. We really wanted to make a day of it and there really is nothing better (in my eyes) than taking a stroll around London.

(The Phoenix Theatre shining in the sun)

Being so close to London (about an hour on the train) it is actually quite rare that I get to go to the fabulous city. Whenever I go to London I do dress up a little as you never know who you might meet so I popped on some liquid eyeliner (becoming a bit of a rare sight these days) and headed out the door. As the weather was great we decided to walk from Paddington to get some food. We decided on Five Guys on Argyle Street as it is a firm favourite in our family and was fairly close to the theatre. I went for my usual Little Bacon Cheeseburger with Cajun fries. It was delightful and as I have said before the drinks machine DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

(Why have one guy when you can have FIVE GUYS?! - Single Girl Mantra)

After stuffing our faces we headed to the theatre. Bend it Like Beckham the musical is based on the hit film that graced our screens over 10 years ago. It was a firm favourite for me when I was younger. When you go into the theatre you feel thrown into the two different cultures that Jess has to battle with. The set design on the stage was great and transformed for each place with ease (going from a football pitch to the front room doesn't sound easy at all). The cast were absolutely amazing, I was giggling throughout and they really suited their roles. A personal favourite for me was Paula, she was so clueless yet supportive and Sophie-Louise Dann played her brilliantly. The songs and choreography were also fantastic, I was still singing the songs during the week after the show. I would highly recommend people seeing this show especially if you were a fan of the film. It takes it that step further and it works perfectly on the stage.

(The curtain before the show, a mix up of cultures)

After we did a little shopping on Oxford Street which on a sunny Saturday was probably a death sentence but we got everything we were looking for (and maybe a little more). We had another little stroll around London (did I mention it was my favourite thing to do?) before heading home. London is probably one of my favourite cities as there is always so much to do and see.

(pre-show smiles from my brothers and I)

See you Tuesday,

Love Katie x