SPONSORED POST:
Summer's approaching and we all want those extra pennies to spend on days out with our partners, children and friends; but sometimes, money just doesn't stretch far enough. I'm pretty sure we all have bits and bobs around the house that we don't need; but have you considered how much money you could make simply by selling that gold jewellery you no longer wear?
Did you know you can sell gold and earn £10 for every gram of 9 carat gold?! Easy! There is a little online calculator on the website (link above) where you enter how many grams of gold you have and the number of carat (9, 14, 18 or 22) and it calculates how much money you can receive!
Benefits of using this gold exchange:
- You will be offered a fair price for your gold.
- If you change your mind, your gold will be returned to you; free of charge.
- It's a safe, easy and convenient way of earning quick cash.
- Payment is paid directly into your bank account.
I know a few people in my family that have loads of gold jewellery they no longer wear! Will you be exchanging any gold?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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As I mentioned last week, I am a little bored of Instagram but I've been using other Apps on my iPhone to photograph bits and bobs. I'm going to do a feature at the end of every month where I blog my favourite "phone" pictures I have taken during that month. Much more exciting!
So today is Easter Sunday! I hope you're all having a brilliant long bank holiday weekend. I've been catching up with errands like washing my makeup brushes, sorting out e-mails and organised my uni work a little better. I feel like two weeks off for Easter is a bit too long but I'm not complaining either way! Unfortunately, I don't have a shop bought Easter egg this year as all the supermarkets were sold out! But my beautiful boyfriend made me one using moulds and melted kinder chocolate. He even put Percy Pig jelly sweets inside, and we all know I love them!
I am hoping to finish all my current blog design orders over the next two weeks, so if you are interested in getting your blog designed, I am open to accepting more orders. Just send me an e-mail :-)
Enjoy all your chocolate and eat lots!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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(competition rules + what to do here)
It's just over seven weeks away yet, but it has been crossing my mind what to wear/where to go/what to do for mine and Andrew's "6 months together" celebrations; which is why I have chosen the 6-9pm slot! Although maybe (probably) considered a little silly; I look at the fact it's half a year together and he's miraculously put up with me for that long! (Vice versa if you're reading this A!)
We've already decided we're going to have a slap up meal in a fancy restaurant where the champagne costs more than the desserts (good job neither of us drink it!) and some drinks in a bar afterwards; which got me thinking. I still haven't round to blogging about our wonderful evening at a bar/restaurant in Holborn last month. Full review below if you're interested :-)
Red is my favourite colour and so it just makes sense for me to wear my favourite colour for a such a positive celebration. Plus they say red makes a man happy, right? I LOVE the shoes! It shames me to say this but I don't own any heels, let alone nude ones. I have heeled boots and flatforms for nights out and that's literally it. I feel like this whole outfit will really emphasise my girly side and possibly wow Andrew? Although I am aiming to avoid this:
Me: *TA-DARRR!* - So, do you like my dress?
Andrew: Yeah, it's..nice
nice
nice
nice
NICE
sigh.
So yes, this is my entry! I would wear this outfit, go to a really nice restaurant with good service and excellent food and then onto my favourite bar; All Star Lanes for cocktails, bowling and dancing until the early hours!
Review of All Star Lanes:
About a month ago, me and Andrew was around Holborn after LFW and fancied a drink. Putting my epic Google searching to the test; I found the most amazing bar/restaurant/bowling alley called All Star Lanes. It was a little nerve-racking when we found it, as it's hidden away down some stairs and so is pretty much under ground! The security guards looked at us a little weird and it was at this point I was beginning to wonder whether we was entering a pole dancing club or something. They were friendly giants however and after a quick check of our ID's; one opened the door and we was inside a whole other world.
As this was around the time Valentines day was approaching (read what me and Andrew did for V-day here), the whole place was roaring with couples laughing and playing bowling! Looking a little lost and amazed, a lovely girl approached us and asked us if we would like a table for a meal. We had already eaten so she directed us to the bar area which was really spacious, open planned and had a lot of comfy sofas to sit on. We went over to the bar, looked at the drinks and menu and was very spoilt for choice! Being the big kids that we are, we opted for milkshakes first; an oreo one for me and a reese's peanut butter one for Andrew. I can honestly say, it was the best milkshake I have ever had in my entire life.
We then moved onto naughty cocktails. I chose the "All Star Swizzle" (barcardi rum, velvet falernum, blue curacao, fresh lime with crushed ice) and Andrew chose the (
The rest of the night was followed by a guy decorating the lounge/bar area with things that looked like chinese lanterns. He put bowls of retro love heart sweets on every table; making sure to sprinkle the tables with glittery love heart confetti too. I guessed it was some sort of theme night and boy, was I right! By 8pm, the bar/lounge area was rocking. Groups of friends arrived dressed up to fit in with the retro 50s feel of the whole bar and love songs from the 50's-60's were played for the rest of the evening. Loads of people were dancing and I felt like I had time travelled to my favourite era. I really recommend this place if you're in the area! There are also another three venues dotted around in London. It was a fab night and I can't wait to go back again!
VENUE INFO:
Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, London, WC18 4DA
Telephone: 0207-025-2676
XO love, Ashleigh x
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XO love, Ashleigh x
Not got a blog? follow via bloglovin'!
THIS POST CONTAINS A SPONSORED LINK
one: It's hard to find midi dresses that don't completely drown me which is why I think this extra long vest is a fab alternative for us shorter ladies! My whole wardrobe is a mix of black, grey, white and red but I definitely need this!
two: I have been lusting after boyfriend jeans for way over a year now but just haven't found a pair that fit me right. They're either not baggy enough or not short enough in the leg. These look lovely though and are currently only fifteen pounds in the sale! I also didn't realise New Look stock so many stylish maternity jeans for all you mamas out there!
three: If I was a dress, this would be me. It also matches my bedroom wallpaper!
four: I have a bit of a basic skirts addiction. I just can't get enough of them! However, I don't own a beige one and this looks lovely. I love how it can be styled as high-waisted too!
five: I saw these shoes in red a few months ago but much prefer the nude. I own one pair of heels (shocking, I know) but only have one pair of "going out shoes" which are actually black flatform wedges; so I need a new addition! I'm all about comfort!
six: I really want a bag for the summer that isn't black and this is just about the right size too.
What are you lusting over at the moment?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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I think I may make this a little feature that pops up on my blog every few weeks. I've already got a memory jar which I am filling with things that have made me happy since January 1st 2013; which I can then look back on at the end of the year. However, it's nice to record things that have made me happy to look back on and read about on my blog.
I absolutely love my boyfriend and these are ten things he did in one day that made me smile and extremely happy all day!
Have a think! What's made you the happiest this week?
Let me know below!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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I hardly use instagram as much as I used to. It's got a little boring and having an iPhone 3GS, my photos don't come out looking 100% half the time. You may have realised I've stopped documenting my week in photos. I've really enjoyed doing it every Sunday for the past 70 weeks or so; but it's come to the point where I don't see it as a feature I will be carrying on. I've decided to update you on my "instagram snaps" maybe at the end of each month in one big collective post. What do you think?L-R: ASOS boots (first outfit post here), Pretty walk home, worth the hype, lazy outfit, polaroids, leaving my boyfriend's, home made burgers, mikado daim, face, jeffrey campbell plays (first outfit post here), benefits of a baker boyfriend, face II, editing, dainty doll haul, princess perfume, wagamamas, face III, new dress c/o She Likes, models own haul, most amazing invention for a nail polish, cutest new pjs (primark).
I have also finally finished editing one of my shoots which I hope to be sharing with you all at some point next week. Some people have already had a sneak preview (there is also a preview above *inserts wink face here*) and the comments I've had already have all been positive :)
Yesterday, I popped into South Kensington for a lecture by my all time favourite photographer; Jeurgen Teller. It was held at the Geographic Society which took about twenty minutes to find so I was fifteen minutes late but it was really good!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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top: ravi famous*
trousers: american apparel disco pants
I was never a fan of the peplum until a few months ago (however, I hate peplum dresses, sorry but ew). It wasn't until I tried one on that I could see why there was such a hype over them. The peplum is in the right place to accentuate curves or even make it appear you have curves if you actually don't!
This little top is from ravi famous and I'm so glad I chose it. It's in a lovely thick, stretchy material; with little black hearts made out of a velvet-flock-like material. Fabulous for just £20 I think so! I find it only really goes with my AA disco pants which isn't a problem (another item worth the hype!). I think this outfit is great for a meal, drinks or even to a job interview.
XO love, Ashleigh x
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dress* warehouse (here)
primark cosy tights
daisy street heeled chelsea boots (allegra dupes)
Warehouse kindly asked if I would like to style one of their dresses and I couldn't say no. Have you seen the dresses they have on offer? I've never bought anything from Warehouse but I am definitely going to have this on the list of shops to visit when I'm looking for a dress for a formal occasion.
I originally chose this as my London Fashion Week outfit. Long story cut short, I didn't end up going but I've worn this dress a few other times since then and have always been complimented on it. It's made out of a strange 'towel' like material. That's the only way I can describe it! But it's soft and comfortable and just the right length. I am 5'4 for reference. I think it's bang on target for the baroque trend that has been popular recently. Although a little figure hugging, I find this to be really flattering and slimming which is always a good thing! I would wear it with flats for uni etc but I paired it with my allega dupes from Daisy Street for that little more dressed up feel... which is a rare thing due to my usual trainers and t-shirt combo!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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violent eye tattoos*
I have been dying to try these eye tattoos out for months! Look how cool they are! If you remember my similar review on the lip tattoos by violent lips, I was really surprised at how immense they looked not to mention how super easy they were to apply! I was e-mailed the press release of the eye tattoos by violent lips absolutely ages ago and they've been sitting in my photography props box ever since! I also have black glittery ones which I haven't opened yet.
A few weeks ago, my sister and I spent an afternoon having a play around with makeup when I found the eye tattoos and we tried them out! They are real easy to apply.
1) Pop out the chosen style. You get 4 styles in one pack and two sheets.
2) Remove the plastic backing.
3) Stick to the eye - tacky side down.
4) Use water and a cotton bud to wet the paper backing; transferring the tattoo from the appliqué to the eye. Voila!
As we were shooting, the late afternoon started coming and in and the sun began to set which looked so pretty! We also decided to shoot a little lookbook video; but warning... my sister decides to dance for 50% of the video!
Have you tried any of the Violent Eyes range yet? What do you think of them?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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beanie: ebay
necklace: river island
shirt*: bench (here)
american apparel disco pants
shoes: jeffrey campbell play
Not going to lie but my style's grown out of the whole camo trend but it's back in my wardrobe and I might just be loving it again. I honestly haven't worn this beanie for months but I dug it out again considering the UK's weather has been a bit moody recently! I did a swap with Gee recently and these flatforms are the latest addition to my life. Love.
Bench kindly offered me some items from their new range and with some umm'ing and ahh'ing, I headed on over to the Bench website. I have always catergorised Bench as one of those brands that produce casual sports wear and I would have never imagined myself wearing anything. However, I was presently surprised to see they have really upped their game. After looking around and trying to imagine how I would style pieces I chose this dress which I will be featuring once it's a little warmer and of course this shirt. It's actually from the men's section (no change there, Ashleigh) so no doubt my boyfriend will be stealing it off me. I do remember him telling me he "reaaaaally likes it!".
Their Spring/Summer collection has just been put onto the website too so I really suggest you head on over there and check all the new pieces out! The homepage happens to be a guy wearing this shirt. Who styles it better? ;)
PS my giveaway ends today. Winner announced tomorrow! Enter here!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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necklace - river island
top - asos
belt - urban outfitters
skirt - topshop
(cosy) tights - primark
boots - asos*
Shoe porn alert!!! How beautiful are they? Well, they're certainly a bit ~out there~ but I'm head over heels. I can't wait to pair them with high waisted levi shorts Summer; maybe even at Isle of Wight Festival for example! I originally bought the crop top to go with disco pants but I actually prefer pairing it with skirts, cheating slightly by making them appear high waisted but there's no rules when it comes to fashion, right? ;)
Today I went to my friend Jack's house to take some photographs of him. We have been friends for a good six years now! For my documentary project in Uni, I've decided to focus it on Jack; hence the project title 'JACK COLE'. I will share my work soon! I am being so lazy when it comes to editing at the moment. Any photographer will know it takes absolutely ages so I'm kinda leaving them in a folder for the 'magic editing fairy' to do. Anyone know where she is?
Disclaimer: This post contains a sponsored link.
XO love, Ashleigh x
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New video! I'm really getting into this whole youtube sh'bang! Me and my sister, Louise, decided on a whim to record a video doing some accents. Thumbs it up for how terrible I am! My hair really annoys me in this video. I had just washed it! :( It would be really lovely if you could head on over to my channel and subscribe. Let me know if you want more videos featuring my sister, boyfriend etc by liking the video! And if you have any video requests, feel free to leave them below or comment on the video :)
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Win a Richard Nicoll for Trop50 dress!
So exclusive, just 50 have been made!
* UK GIVEAWAY ONLY *
To celebrate the launch of Trop50, juice experts Tropicana and iconic fashion designer Richard Nicoll have joined forces to release a limited edition dress. All profits raised from the sales of the dresses will be donated to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer; the leading charity fashion campaign by Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Just 50 Richard Nicoll for Trop50 dresses have been created to celebrate the launch of the new Trop50 juice drink, which has 50% less sugar and calories than regular juice.
Trop50 is made from delicious Tropicana not from concentrate juice, blended with water and an extract of the natural stevia* leaf – a plant-based, calorie-free sweetener.
The range has a variety of flavours to suit every taste, including classics such as Original and Smooth, and more exotic flavours such as the velvety Orange & Mango and delicious Pomegranate & Blueberry. Check out the new range here (:
*steviol glycosides are found naturally in the stevia leaf
terms and conditions: This giveaway is NOT sponsored. It's down to me whether I want to help promote a giveaway and in this case, the prize is exclusive so I thought I would spread the word! SIZING: Any size is available as far as I am aware! The winner will be chosen at random by the rafflecopter form and i will then contact the winner via e-mail. The winner's details will then be passed onto Freud Communications who will then be contacted by them for a shipping address, or I may have to pass the address onto them. UK Giveaway only, sorry! No cash alternative is available. I am not responsible for the prize not getting to the winner as it's not me supplying the giveaway prize; I am just helping to promote it. Any entries who are don't follow the mandatory entries will be voided.
good luck!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light".
- Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter
10th March 2013:
Losing somebody you love is like losing a limb but when one door closes, another one opens. Where am I right now? Depending on when you read this, I may have just finished work, I may be on the bus on my way home, I may be in the bath or maybe sound asleep. Wherever I am right now, I am happy. One year ago, I was a different person. I feel like I've changed for the better. I managed to slowly come out of a very dark place, mend my heart and get back on track with my life. I did it. I am strong. I will never have regrets, nor will I ever forget such wonderful memories I shared with a person. I don't hate, nor do I love, but I thank. I thank you for making me a stronger person than I have ever been. Yes, you've made me extremely anxious, on edge, insecure about the way I look and I worry like no other; but from the pain you made me feel, I've got a brand new life and I'm so excited for what lies ahead. I thank you for making me realise I can live without you. I don't need you. I don't need to be knocked down every time, insulted, cheated on. I don't need you. I don't love you. I will never forgive you for the tears, ignorance, and betrayal. I will never look back and think "what if" anymore. I have now found someone who appreciates me for who I am so I am putting my two fingers up at you. These are my final words to you. Your loss. Goodbye.
XO love, Ashleigh x
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So, I took the plunge and made my first talky youtube video. I'm super scared so please be nice! You can subscribe here :)
XO love, Ashleigh x
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Me and Andrew took my two little cousins out during the February half term. It's the first time my cousins have met Andrew and they loved him! He was just like another one of the kids; monkeying around, giggling uncontrollably at the glorious "you smell like poo" jokes from my littlest cousin and craving doughnuts and ice-cream.
We spent most of the afternoon at Adventure Island (or Peter Pan's when I was little!) and it was actually snowing! Some of the rides were closed, however we didn't have to queue for anything, so the kids really enjoyed themselves. I'm not a theme park person so I stood and watched for some of the bigger rides. Yes, an eleven and seven year put their twenty year old cousin to shame but never mind. I did go on some!
The rest of the day was followed by a light lunch and a trip to some of the arcades. Being a Londoner, I had forgotten how addictive 2p slot machines are! We also had sea-side doughnuts which no other doughnut can ever beat, yum! And finally, we stopped off at Pizza Hut for some dinner before I returned the kids home and took myself home to peace and quiet! The last photo was taken by the waiter in Pizza Hut who was talking to me for a while about photography!
I have also started a Youtube channel. Believe it or not, I actually made videos on Youtube before I had a blog but then hated every video and deleted that channel! It would mean the world if you could pop on over to my channel and subscribe. I will be uploading little snippets of my life and maybe the odd talky video or two!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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I'm going to try to start blogging recipes as I lovelovelove food. I always instagram (follow me here) what me and my boyfriend are cooking so it just makes sense to blog about what we're cooking too!
Let's start with something pretty easy and very yummy.
Chicken fajitas.
Pronounced (fa-hee-tas); a mexican dish consisting of tortilla wraps stuffed with a choice of meat, vegetables and spices.
Optional bits n bobs: cheese, although this is a must for me.
You will need:
- chicken breast fillets (6 fillets feeds 4)
- peppers
- any other vegetables (I used cucumber, onions, baby tomatoes and sweetcorn)
- tortilla wraps
- cream fraiche
- grated cheese (and lots of it)
- some sort of mexican chilli sauce
- lemon juice
- 1/2 garlic clover
The most gruesome part of any meat based recipe. I use kitchen scissors to dice chicken breast fillets as it gets it over and done with quicker!
I put a tiny amount of oil in a wok pan to prevent the chicken from sticking and let it heat up. I then put in the chicken and cooked it until it was white and fully cooked through. I then let it simmer in the juices whilst I did the next step...
I pretty much threw every single item that was in the vegetable drawer in the fridge. Even cucumber. Weird, right? But it was surprisingly nice! I chose red and yellow peppers as I love colour. I could personally live without onions but my dad would have moaned so I chopped up half of one. Added to this was also two cans of sweetcorn and a chopped up few Marks and Spencer's baby tomatoes. Pushing the boat out, I know.
No idea how much this is but it's from ASDA's. Slightly cheating but I was hungry, ok?! I sprinkled the spice ontop of the chicken and let it sink it for a while before adding the whole jar of sauce. I also added some lemon juice (no idea why, was feeling spontaneous), some pepper and two cans of sweetcorn.
Cream fraiche makes a perfect base for the tortillas so they're not too dry to eat. Just spread around a teaspoon of it so the whole tortilla is filled, then add some of the chicken mixture onto one side, add some more pepper, sprinkle some cheese (lots) and wrap it up.
Ta-darrrrrr!
Would you like to see more recipes?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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