TIME OUT.

First I would like to apologise for almost being in existent since December. Honestly, losing interest in blogging it was nice to take time off and really think about what I wanted and where I stood when it comes to Vanilla In November. 

RELAXED ATMOSPHERE

I wanted to sit down and write a relaxed post, something that wasn't planned or scheduled. Where I can let my mind wander and update you guys and everything that's going on! Alot has been going on lately, hence why my posts are abit hit and miss - I still blog everyday but the publishing times tend to be different each time. I recently got a new job, I am really happy with it and loving what I'm doing but I've had to put more efforts into that rather than this blog. I do love blogging, but it isn't my job and doesn't pay the bills.

BILLS BEFORE BED

You may or may not know that it was my birthday over the weekend, and with that special occasion to celebrate where better to do so than in Bills. I've heard so much about Bills and read so many reviews I thought it was about time I went. With a table set for two laid bare and awaiting our arrival, I couldn't not fall in love with the Restaurant. It's quirky with an up-market design and lovingly laid back atmosphere, I had the best of all worlds! (All I needed now were my comfy slippers and a cup of tea!) As I settled into what should be known as a bloggers paradise, with it's perfectly placed backgrounds and pretty little props I was dying to photograph every corner of the room. 

After we ordered starters and mains each and by we I mean me and my other half, we then continued onto drinks and the only option was a bottle of white wine carefully placed in Bills up-cycled wine coolers. This is what I mean by quirky and a genius idea that suited the Restaurant perfectly. Starters consisted of avocado, bacon and spinach all mixed together in a beautifully set salad placed into a small glass bowl. It was so so yummy and full of flavour, it was light and juicy but I couldn't have wolfed it down any faster. I was in foodie heaven! 

For mains I ordered a rather appealing duck pie, a British staple switched up and I love duck, but this was like nothing I've tasted before - it was so creamy and full of flavour, my taste buds couldn't keep up and not forgetting a side of Sweet Potato fries, when in Bills...

It's fair to say I couldn't have spent my birthday in a better place, everyone who worked at Bills were so kind and helpful, it was almost a breath of fresh air to see such kind people.  I am already planning on going back to Bills so keep your eyes pealed for that post! None the less, I couldn't compliment Bills anymore - if you haven't been then why not? You are missing out on so much. But until next time! 

CURRENTLY LOVING #5

I haven't done this post in a while and when I say 'a while' I mean over two months, but as I've been loving alot of new blogs I wanted to share them with you! Adding a little side-note in as to why the magazines above are old versions, I basically wanted to use this for a post whilst I was away in September but when it came round to it the post was fairly crappy and ending up going in the bin, literally! 

The Gypsy and the City -
A Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle blog written by the beautiful Courtney, this girl won me over just with her blog name. Her blog design is beautiful and very creative and her posts are on another level. I want her header, it's filled with everything a girl could wish for! 

UNSTITCHED - 

Maddy's blog is so beautiful and simple, it's something I love reading and always go back to when I need a little inspiration. Her photo's are always flawless and just lovely to look at, I am so envious of her photo taking skills and her stunning backgrounds. 

gh0stparties - 

I can't get enough of Kate's blog, gh0stparties is another one I reach for when I have that dreaded bloggers block.I am definitely envious of her home ware, the rose gold plant pots and pineapples make me a little jealous and her photos are always a joy to see!

Dizzybrunette3 - 

I've been following Corrie for a while but only recently has she re-designed her blog and it's super girly and pretty in pink. She believes that 'life is too short for flat hair,' you'll understand if you've seen her hair! 

Beauty with Charm -

This blog is very charming with delicate, with gorgeous pictures and simple writing, it's definitely a great read! I wish we could swap blogs and no one know, I'll keep dreaming! Eventhough Alina's blog is simple, it's filled with detail and very straight to the point - you'll understand once you head over and see for yourself. 

BerrieBlogs -

I couldn't leave this Berrie-Blogs out, I've scrolling through my history for so long just so I could include it. BerrieBlogs is written by Aerin, with an amazing blog and a beautiful name I couldn't not scroll through her older posts. She's given me alot of inspiration and ideas about how I can make my own blog better. 

Lily Ann Loves -
I'm in love with her photography, this blog is very classic and elegant and her words are very simple yet straight to the point. I love the black and white theme of her blog because this will forever be on trend. I'm not gonna lie, I'm feeling a tad jealous at the moment. 

THIS WINTER

Image - www.pixabay.com

I know what you're thinking, why Kate why! Is it me or is it too early to talk about the greatest of all that is in-fact winter and Christmas time, I'm feeling extra festive recently. Now I'm thinking about it, maybe it is too early, oh well! I'm excited for winter, I'm excited for so much because this time of year is the time that alot of goings-on are happening.

1. My Birthday in November, I'm so excited for my birthday as it's just around the corner and of course it's a big one!

2. Cosy Nights in, this is what Winter is all about especially if I have comfy pyjama's and thick bed socks. The Fire's burning away beautifully, I'm just chilling snuggled under a blanket with my pj's and a good film on.

3. Scarf weather, you know what I'm talking about, technically it's scarf weather now but as it gets colder my scarves tend to get bigger and thicker! I love wearing big, thick scarves during the colder months, they make a big statement to any outfit. 

4. Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Cuppa Soups... Any Hots drinks make an appearance when it gets colder outside, I currently have a cuppa soup on the go. Costa Coffee Christmas menu is the best and Gingerbread Latte's are my favourite when I'm buried underneath a big, tartan scarf with my woolly gloves on all snuggled up. 

5. PRESENTS! Who isn't excited for presents, whether it's receiving them or giving, I'm excited for both. I love finding the perfect gift for someone and making everything look beautifully presented all wrapped up with a pretty little bow to top everything off. 

6. The wellies are dusted off and the Beanie hat is ready is make an appearance, just sayin'! 

7. PLEASE SANTA; LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IS SNOW! (Oh god, the festive feeling is strong!)

8. The Perfect Winter Coat is what I'm looking for. All I can say is it's long, with faux fur and so darn beautiful. But where can I find it!? 

AFTERNOON TEA

I must admit whilst I was away in Mexico recently it did rain the occasional day, not for long but when it did outside was out of bounds, well for me anyway. The pool was too cold and outside was too wet to step out into so I needed something to do while the rain came down. I posted about Cancun and all the colours it had on offer here. I drank enough water everyday but I needed something to else, I was missing my brews. I love a good coffee or green tea, especially whilst I'm away and by the time it took to cool down the rain had stopped. 

Whilst I'm away, after all the sunshine and cocktails I need some time out and some chill out time. This was perfect just to sit down for a while and not worry what I'm doing next, no plans, just biscuits and brews. They're coffee was spot on and then the biscuit and bread selection on offer was great, they have shortbread, my favourite! I must have been the only one there that kept going back for more, biscuits that is. As they say, Why not? I'm on holiday!

I'd do anything to back there right now just sitting, chilling with a brew. I've spent most of the year waiting for a holiday, like an excitable little kid at Christmas. Not I can only wait for what the future brings. New Job, New Home, More Holidays. Whatever next!

BEACH BAG: HOLIDAY EDITION

I'm sure you could of guessed this was coming, I just had to do this post as I was away. It's a must when someone goes away as I am fairly nosey, I say fairly. What's in my beach bag? It's pretty typical of a standard beach bag, similar to what you'd put in.

Sandals of course have to be Havaiana's just because they're so comfy and durable, easy to wear and don't tear my feet apart. I mentioned in a previous post I was reading The Rivers of London, still plodding along slowly but surely I'm getting there. River Island Sunglasses, (from the mens section of course) these ones are really comfy and stylish and go with any outfit I wear.

Of course there's my staple and well loved Palmer's Cocoa Butter, for when I'm lacking a little moisture, perfect for when you want hydration quick and easy. An SPF Lip Balm, I can't leave home without one because the last thing I want is dry, burnt lips whilst I'm away. Simple Radiance Cream is what I've recently switched to, my skin is loving it and I'll be reviewing this beauty further down the line. A standard Primark Beach Towel and lastly Piz Buin which can never do any wrong, I always use this stuff and swear by it every holiday, I slowly work myself down the SPF Ladder from 30 to 10.

CURRENTLY LOVING #3

DINNER DATE #2

CURRENTLY LOVING #2

WHAT I'D TELL MY TEENAGE SELF

DINNER DATE #1

If you've ever been to a Wetherspoon's, you'll see that it looks like any other pub. The good thing about Wetherspoon's is that it's typically cheap and cheerful. A friendly and inviting atmosphere, perfect if you're on a budget or don't have deep enough pockets to dig into. Then again you wouldn't take your date here if you're wanting to impress them, but with friends and family or your other half it's perfect!

Currently Listening to...

There's so many great hit songs out at the moment, and it was so hard to choose and cut everything down. I've been listening to alot of music at the moment and I have been loving some great hits. 

Visiting Norwich

I recently made my way to Norwich to visit family and friends and sneak in some shopping. I say some, I bought quite alot but mainly for my upcoming holiday away. Eventhough I was only there for three days I managed to fit more than I thought in and do more than I initially planned to do.

New Obsession

My New Obsession, The Nike Free 5.0 Training Shoes. I never thought I'd be so obsessed with a pair of shoes but I am. They are so comfy and lightweight, they just make walking or running so much more easier. These shoes are so basic, with the monochrome black and white so they can go with alot of outifts, even if you're not planning on going running in them you can still dress them up or down. 

Turning your Wardrobe Inside Out

As the seasons change, so does what we wear. We change what we wear to suit the weather, alot of the times buying new items but forgetting about the old ones. I've made a plan to go through everything in my wardrobe, try it on and decide whether I want to keep it or not. My wardrobe is looking a little cluttered but I also in need of some new clothes, and as I've recently been buying a few to suit the summer months I thought I would change things up abit. Sometimes, I forget what I actually have in my wardrobe because the things I don't wear as often get shoved into a draw. 

Fifty Facts About Me

I thought it was about time I let you know more about me and my life and thought the '50 Facts About Me' tag would be a great way to do so.I struggled getting reaching 50 but in the end I got there. 

Staying Hydrated

I understand how important it is for yourself and your body to stay hydrated and this means drinking two to three litres of water every day. Now, that's alot of water and even I struggle drinking that much each day. But understanding the benefits from drinking enough water per day spurs me on to completing this task. This means regularly topping up your cup from the tap or constantly having a water bottle to hand. 

For the Love of Coffee

Not your usual blog post, and to be honest I haven't seen anyone blogging on their love of coffee. Mine's more than a love it's turning into an obsession. So much so that I can't wake up in the morning unless I have a good old fashioned brew! I can't even go a whole day without having atleast 2 or three cups of coffee.
When I'm feeling down or I've had a bad day I like to get into my pajamas or comfy clothes, sit back with a cup of coffee and relax on my own away from everyone just so I can have some time to think and un-wind. 

No Added Nonsense

These days, we're so busy we barely have time to remember to eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day let alone keeping up on what we've already ate. 
I've recently come across the brand BEAR who have an array of different dried fruits and promise there's no added sugars or preservatives, it's just fruit. It's just a very simple and honest brand and these are perfect if you're on the go and you can pack these in your packed lunch or throw in your bag as a snack. In each pack there are two different types of fruit, so getting in your five a day couldn't be easier. 
In the first pack there's Mango and Pineapple and the second Strawberries and Cherries.