OOTD: Snakeskin shoes

Outfit:

Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Roll neck black tunic: ASOS
Black ripped knee jeans: F&F
Snakeskin effect heeled pumps: Carvela via TK Maxx (similar)

Excuse the extremely windswept hair - I've heard it's the new thing for S/S14.

When I'm having a bit of a podge day I opt for an all-black outfit. It does wonders for the self esteem! It needs a bit of a boost at the minute which is why I've joined Slimming World. Hopefully it will help me kick self-esteem's butt. Please feel free to share any SW food blogs. I'm always after meal inspiration. Black also helps makes me feel a little it more put together and dare I say, a little classy. I know, I know. Stranger things have happened.

I'd just like to say a huge thank you for everyone's kind words on my friendship post. The love it's gotten has made me blush - you're all such babes. I'm so glad that so many of you can relate to it and I'm not alone. Be strong guys! You don't have to settle in friendships. You all deserve so much better.

Read more

The Hogwarts Express - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

I only visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour back in December last year but when I was invited to a VIP launch of the Hogwarts Express through work, I couldn't turn it down! Walking down that red carpet was what childhood dreams are made of. 

The steam train was a sight to behold - it looks even more impressive in real life. We were kindly treated to a smoking cocktail before listening to a speech from one of the big wigs at Warner Bros. The Hogwarts Express is actually privately owned and was still being used last year. We're very lucky to see it at the studios! 

You'll be able to have your photo taken on platform 9 3/4 pushing a magic trolley into the wall. There's even a special simulated carriage to try out. You can walk through the carriages on the train itself and see significant props from each of the films. Finally there's a special railway shop for you to buy all your favourite memorabilia. Look at Hedwig making an appearance too! The new exhibition really does help add to the magic of the studios. Make sure you book in a trip to see it for yourself.

Bring me back a chocolate frog please! 

Read more

Why not being maternal is ok

I was never that child who loved playing with dolls and pretending I was a mum. In fact from the tender age of 11, I always use to proudly state that my ambition was being a journalist. I'll give myself a pat on the back for making that come true. Babies didn't even enter my mind. I've never been one to coo over newborns either. Truth be told, I'm a little scared of them and they sense it. As soon as they sit on my lap, the waterworks start. Give me a dog? I'll turn to mush. Especially when I see a puppy. I can fully get on board with being dog broody.

I'm not even sure that I want to be a mum. I've worked extremely hard on my education and my career that I'm in no hurry to take a step back.  I come from a line of women who don't like kids. My nan and mum both lack the maternal gene. But they make amazing mothers. Go figure? For some reason some people just cannot grasp that idea. I've been told that I'm depriving my boyfriend – he once mentioned he'd rather jack in the kids malarky and travel the world. I've been told I'm doing the world a disservice and it's my role as a woman to reproduce. I've been given condescending advice that I should just wait. My clock will soon be ticking and I'll have a sudden urge. I've been told I don't know what I'm missing out on. I've been told I don't know what I'm talking about at my age. 

I might very well change my mind. I could reach 30 and have the sudden urge to reproduce. I look and mine and my mum's amazing relationship and long for that myself. But do you know what? It's ok to not want to bring a child into the world. It doesn't make you less of a woman. You don't lose your femininity simply because you don't want to give birth. It's not the be all and end all if you don't ever hear the word mum. Don't be made to feel bad just because you prefer to have a career over raising a family. The beauty of the world is you should be who you want to be.

Read more