one | two | three | four
Although a little out of my price range; I couldn't help but spend an afternoon pining over so many pieces on the Avenue 32 website. First things first, I'm in love with the website itself. It's easy to navigate around, fuss free and there's lots to look at! Although a little pricey, the clothes are pure luxury and therefore it has been a bit of a tease putting together a fantasy wishlist. That's all a part of the fun though, right?!
The first little top is probably my favourite thing out of all four items. I chose it from the designer section by Giles to be precise. I love the mix of monochrome and coral colours that Giles has designed. The little peter pan collar and double pocket detailing really add something chic yet grown up and sophisticated at the same time. Item number two. Polka dots. That's all I have to say really! Item three. I adore the random clash of two tone prints especially as it's a mix of floral and animal print. I think it goes really well with the shoes. I've seen a lot of people styling these type of shoes recently and I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair. Oh fashion. You ruin my bank account.
Check out the website! Anything you're lusting after?
XO love, Ashleigh x
001: Uni update! I've finished shooting yipppeeeee! I can't exactly sit back and enjoy the weather just yet as I have lots more to do. I've decided to add a bit of graphic design into one shoot and play around with type faces and shapes. I'm not sure if I'll end up using this idea for the final outcomes but there's nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation to see what works and what doesn't! I still haven't shared any of my semester two work on my blog even though I've been saying I will for around a month; oooops. I will soon though! Crown & Glory sent me some gorgeous samples to use in one of my shoots so I am really excited to share these :-)
002: There's not much else to report. Everyday seems to be the same at the moment but hopefully with the weather brightening up it means I can get out and do more stuff in little dresses and sandals. I really fancy getting away somewhere for a few days this year. Maybe Paris or something?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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Birchbox* - £10 + p&p
This is the second beauty box I have ever had. When Glossybox first came to the beauty community, I did subscribe and from that I discovered the amazing HD Brows palette which I've almost finished using! However, I felt all in all I was paying £12 for something that I wasn't necessarily that keen on. I realised I would only end up using one or two samples out of the possible 5/6. So I unsubscribed. When the opportunity came up to review April's Birchbox, I was a little undecided. I know a lot of people feel the same way about Glossybox now and there's also the Feel Unique box in competition. However, when I read that the former people behind the Jolie Box had got together to create Birchbox; I was a little intrigued.
The one thing I noticed about the Birchbox is the packaging. The brown cardboard style box really caught my eye as it's simple yet chic at the same time; with the hot pink accent. It also came with a bow around it but I didn't photo that, boo! You also get a little mini magazine with it which I really like the design of. It's easy to read. Not too much writing but not just a magazine full of photos.
The smell of the soap is so lovely. It has lavender inside it and is wrapped in a gorgeous vintage style wrapper. The lipstick/pencil reminds me of the chubby sticks on the market. I was surprised to see the shade is something I would wear and it's quite glittery! I got a little sample of Weleda's skin food at a blog event which I am still yet to use but apparently Victoria Beckham highly rates it so I am rather excited to try it! I've not tried anything as of yet but if I really like something, I'll be sure to let you know :-)
All in all with the delivery, packaging and the quality of the products I think I would actually subscribe to Birchbox. It seems a little more up my street compared to any other beauty box!
What do you think of monthly beauty boxes?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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la roche posay effaclar duo
£14 - Boots
I follow a very small selection of beauty blogs and saw that this was the one hyped product that almost everyone was blogging about. Some people find skin care a real chore but I absolutely love it. I could happily spend £100 on skin stuff! I don't particularly have spot prone skin. My skin is relatively good but can be a little dry. I take my makeup off every night using the No7's hot cloth cleanser (I reviewed it here) and then cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day (I tone once).
I'm not going to lie; but I was a little clueless as to what it was. It has a really weird name let's face it but I bought it on a whim in Boots and here we are two months later writing about it! It's specifically made for those who have 'oily skin with imperfections' .. not really something I have but there are other options within the range such as the Effaclar K which I may try out soon. Upon buying it, it's a white gel/cream like formula in a 40ml tube. My first tube lasted around a month and I used it twice a day every day non-stop and didn't get one spot within this time frame. I did go through a purging stage with this but I've read this is a common thing. [I used it for 5 weeks if you include the purging stage]
I've since bought a second tube and I shall be buying a third, forth etc. It's something I have realised I probably can never stop using now and am therefore firmly contracted to buy it forever! I didn't use this one night and woke up with one small spot so I would say because I use it twice a day my skin has got used to it but it does have other benefits too. My skin is a lot more smoother and a lot more brighter with no break outs (If i keep using it). I love it!
Have you tried this? Can you recommend anything from the La Roche Posay range?
I am by all means no beauty blogger nor do I really have a strong interest in beauty like I do with fashion, but coming from someone who doesn't know as much about beauty; this product is amazing!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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This post contains sponsored links
The shoes are Alexander McQueen but o-m-g they're so lovely so I better start saving for the shoe fund! The iPhone case is by Lanvin at Harvey Nichols and I love it! Anything illustrated immediately catches my attention. I have a bit of an addiction to anything polka dot. I'd say about 40% of my wardrobe is polka dot... ooops. This little cropped shirt will look lovely this spring with some little flats and sunglasses. Last but not least, I am looking at buying some running trainers. I do want to take up jogging but I have wanted either nike roshe runs or nike free runs for way over a year now so it's time to buy a pair. I'm loving this bright pink pair!
What are you lusting over at the moment?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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Last Wednesday (10th April) saw the long awaited Ax Paris event; celebrating the launch of the new tv advert which was launched on TV on Sunday.
I was umm'ing and ahh'ing all week whether to go or not. I've had invites to parties and press days for about a year now but have always had this fear that had refrained me from stepping out of my front door and onto the tube. I used to be a lot worse but since starting Uni I've got more confidence talking to new people. However, I still suffer from anxiety and I worry about everything. But! And there's a big but ladies (and gentlemen)...... I pushed myself, got ready and walked out the door and onto the tube. I did it!!! *Ticks 'first blog event' off the list*
I met a few blogger girls in Covent Garden and then we headed to The Diner for some food. I got sweet potato fries and a vanilla milkshake. We then headed to Circus which is where the event was held. It's a bar in Covent Garden which is around the back of Rokit with a big bouncer on the door.!
all the above photos are mine.
The night was really good all in all! We were provided with a zillion cocktails, canapés and a fun photobooth! Circus provided some live entertainment which I was most excited for. We was in for a treat as there was fire eaters and acrobats put together with sexy dance moves and a very yummy man... who poked his tongue out at my camera! Watch the video for proof! (5:06)
I am so glad I decided to go and I'm so proud of myself for not chickening out. It was so lovely to finally meet Ella Masters who I have wanted to meet for absolutely ages and Lauren who was my very first blog design customer! I also finally met Robyn whose blog I have read for ages and is just a total babe. And everyone else (keeping my fingers and toes crossed I haven't missed anyone out).. Jennie, Sara, Tasha and Hayley :-)
XO love, Ashleigh x
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Another sweet little treat was posted through my door this week. I have never seen this in the shops so I was in dire need of trying it out and couldn't wait to rip it open! It's pretty much a chocolate shaped fish* with pink marshmallow inside. It reminded me of wagon wheels! A pretty random chocolate; but a yummy one!
* It doesn't contain fish!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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image credit: weheartit
Have you ever looked at a colour and fallen in love with it? I know personally (especially when it comes to designing my blog), I love deep pastel colours like dusty pink and duck egg blue. However, have you ever loved a colour so much and wished it was a nail varnish colour? Well now your dreams can come true thanks to Mavala's newly launched That's My Colour campaign.
The Swiss leaders of nail care are encouraging YOU to send in pictures of everyday objects/things that you would love to see as a nail colour. Using the power of social media, if you would like to participate, you have to upload your images to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #ThatsMyColour or post directly to Mavala's Facebook page. At the end of the month, three entries will be chosen to create the That's My Colour Collection launching later this year.
Watch the video below for more info on the campaign!
So, what's your dream nail polish colour?
XO love, Ashleigh x
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via: stylight
There's something so incredibly lovely about this outfit. It's grown up and sophisticated whilst sticking with the statement paisley printed trousers and of course the on trend neon bowler bag; such a marmite trend which I personally ell-oh-v-ee! I could see myself wearing this outfit on a date night or out for drinks with friends. It's really versatile!
STYLIGHT is a fashion community and almost works like a search engine. It brings together 400,000 items from 4000 different brands from over 70 online shops all in one area for all of us lovely ladies to have a gander over on a Sunday morning with a cuppa'. It also brings together affordable items and designer pieces. However, this just helps me to narrow down what I am looking for. For example, the top above is a little pricey at £150 but I can then search for a cheaper alternative on eBay. You can also set up a profile which works a little like Pinterest. You build a profile and can follow other people to see what items they have "hearted". It's a great little platform to sign up to if you love fashion just as much as me! If you would like to view my profile, you can find me at ashllyd :-)
XO love, Ashleigh x
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caseable ipad case*
A few weeks ago, I was offered a customised case for one of my gadgets. After looking at the website and seeing I could upload my very own design which was easy and fuss free; I decided it was an offer I could not refuse! Unfortunately, I'm not lucky enough to own a macbook and I have an iPhone 3GS which is the only iPhone model that caseable don't make cases for. (Roll on October when I can upgrade to the iPhone 5!). My mum has an iPad which I probably use more than she does and I thought it would be lovely to make a case for it!
My mum wanted our dog Maisy on the front who is a boxer and the baby of the family. I chose a hot pink and black colour theme and a title of 'Mum's iPad'. They have some really nice fonts available too! The iPad is secured by four pieces of elastic in each corner. There is a little pocket/slip area inside too; great for keeping notes inside for example.
For two weeks only (until 21st April); you can get £10 off caseable with my code ashllyd10. Just enter the code at the checkout for the discount to be redeemed :-) Hurry ; it won't be around for long!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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beef burgers;
a famous american speciality, but homemade with 100% beef & tender loving care.
You will need:
- one pack of lean minced beef
- one pack of chives (chopped)
- one onion
- a pinch of salt + pepper
- 1 egg
- burger buns
- sauces i.e ketchup
Nachos:
- tortilla chips
- jalapeno peppers
- cheese
- sour cream
- guacamole
- salsa
Firstly, we started by mixing the minced beef in with the chopped chives and then I just used my hands to mash it all together. Mm, lovely.
To stop the mince being too dry once cooked, I added one egg (yolk included) just to add some moisture to them.
After dicing an onion and mixing it in, we then started to form the burger shapes. It was tricky to get the round shape without bits of the mixture falling everywhere, but we got there in the end! We then laid them out onto a baking tray and popped them into the grill.
We got these adorable little burger buns from Sainsburys. So much better than boring seeded ones!
We also decided to make some nachos (my favourite) to accompany the burgers. We bought a little fresh dips quad from the cold section in Sainsburys which had salsa, sour cream, cheese sauce and guacamole. After grating some cheese, we layered the cheese and nachos onto a plate and popped them into the oven for a few minutes. And ta-dar! At least I know I'm not eating any horse in my meal!
Will you be trying these? :)
XO love, Ashleigh x
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After reading and bookmarking Rachel's post on the top 10 places to eat in London, me and Andrew have decided to work our way through the list! Kick starting this week; we headed to Pizza East, in Shoreditch.
We started the day by heading into Brick Lane for a little look around. It's one of my favourite places in London but is a lot better in the summer when it's full of people and outdoor food and clothing markets. Instead, we walked around in the freezing cold but there was a plus... Andrew purchased his first 'vintage' item from Rokit; a burgundy flannel shirt. You go glen coco!
After Pizza East, we went to see my Nan who lives in the area for some juice (and tea with one sweetener for Andrew) and a game of cards. Sevens, Swift and Kings to be precise.
We then walked to Shoreditch high street which is only a ten minute walk. It's always lovely to return to the areas I grew up in (I was born in Hoxton and grew up in Shoreditch). Using iPhone Maps, we managed to find it really easily on the corner of Bethnal Green Rd and Shoreditch High St.
Upon entering, we was really surprised at how big the place was. As we went for lunch (which sort'a turned into a big lunch/dinner, ooooops), it was pretty quiet but I could definitely imagine it rocking on a Saturday evening!
The decor was really lovely. It was all open planned so you could see your drinks being poured and the chefs cooking your food. The grid windows down one side of the restaurant really allowed sunlight to flood in. Most importantly, the tables were laid out spaciously so I didn't feel like I was sitting on top of other couples!
We went for the lamb speck with feta cheese and pine nuts; drizzled in balsamic vinegar. We didn't have a clue what 'speck' meant but just went for it anyway. It looked delicious but I'm not sure if I liked it.. but I am funny when it comes to meat! The only way I can describe it was a lamb's version of bacon. With cheese. Weird.
Andrew's main: Veal meatballs, prosciutto and cream (above)
My main: Salami, tomato, mozzarella and chilli flakes (below)
Dessert (to share): Peanut butter parfait - something inbetween a cake and ice-cream, with melted white chocolate and brownie pieces
The bill came to just over £40 which I don't think is that bad considering the pizza was huge and we had a dessert, starter and drinks. The service was wonderful too. I can't recommend it enough!
XO love, Ashleigh x
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