Birthday celebrations

Happy birthday to my good friend Laura. We've decorated her desk at work and bought presents, organised a pub lunch and made a cake. Although its not my best work - still have to show you the Christmas cake I made! - its not bad considering the amount of time I had to complete it last night. As soon as I got home I set to making the cakes. But as we were going out with friends, I only got up to the buttercream before it was time to leave. Bring on a late night icing session! Anyway, it's not quite what I hoped but hopefully she'll love it and it will taste yummy!
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Weekend update

I have spent the entire day today seeing my new Cath Kidston bag together. It's a Christmas present from my best girl friends - the book called Sew which contains many patterns and instructions for making all sorts of lovely things and also has the fabric and buttons ready for you to make this bag. Many of you will have probably seen it before but when it's finished - hopefully in the next week - I'll post some pictures for you to see the finished article. So far I think it's the best thing I've made because I've really taken my time and not made many mistakes. The book also has really easy to follow instructions so it's great for people like me who still don't know all the ways to sew. Take a look if you're interested.
Have a great Monday if you can :)
Lots of love,
VA xxxxxxx

Hidden treasures

Don't you just love having a good clean out of your clothes, make up, shoes and accessories?! Last weekend I did just that. And wow I have a lot of stuff! I already knew that but you don't realise quite how much till its right in front of you. As a result, I know have 3 massive piles of items for eBay and some nearly new make up that I had completely forgotten about. For example, this Lancôme Juicy Tubes lipgloss in Strawberry Funk. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd definitely recommend taking a rummage through your cupboards this weekend. Who knows what you might find.
Lots of love,
VA xxx

There's an app for that

A job application. One of the hardest things you will ever do in your career. That, and your CV. Unfortunately for me, this is the second time I've been through this process in 7 months. I just hope this one will be my last for a year or so. I'm applying for another trainer buyer job at my current place of work. As you will know, if you're an avid reader of my blog, I applied for this job on another dept 7 months ago. Sadly I was unsuccessful, but tbh I expected that due to lack of experience. But I've worked hard over the last few months to get more experience and learn more about the job. Hears hoping it all pays off. I'll keep you posted. No doubt I'll need some advice on what to wear if the big day arrives!
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Hello Mr Yves Saint Laurent

I've been trawling the internet looking for some bargains in the sales - preferably some amazing designer heels at ridiculous prices. Unfortunately they were no where to be found. Kurt Geiger offered a decent selection but I was looking for something a little more expensive. As I was wandering the likes of Harvey Nichols, mywardrobe.com and matches.com I found my mouse drifting towards the Shoes - New In page. Disaster. Not only did I find a million and one Laura I shoes I love love loved, but I quite possibly found my wedding shoes. Not that I'm getting married any time soon. But when you see these, you'll understand. For a good few years now I've been in love with the YSL Tribute sandal. Particularly, last year I found them in Selfridges in pale tan. They were gorgeous and ever since I've been trying to find them at a more affordable price. Sadly for me, they were not to be mine. But my love for them drew me to take a look at the new range YSL had to offer for SS12. Then I found these... The YSL Tribtoo. And yes they are gorgeous in black, brown, silver and gold, but look at them in white. Perfect wedding shows or what? At least if I fall when walking down the aisle I'll know I'm showing off some fantastic shoes! Apologies to anyone who buys these after seeing this blog. But if you do and you're a size 6, can I borrow them? Enjoy.
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Love the skin you're in

As part of my new regimes, I want to find the perfect skin care for me. I've been researching a number of makes from Bobbi Brown to This Works to Dermologica to Ren but don't know which way to turn. Atm I use Simple but, even though it does the job, I feel like my skin deserves more. I truly believe that if you look after your skin properly and regularly, you can look like you've been to the spa every day. All it takes is the right product and a bit of effort. Oh and don't forget enough sleep! At the moment I have 2 out of 3. I'll let you know when that changes. For now, take care of your skin. With all this cold weather, it definitely needs some TLC.

Lots of love,
VA. xxxxxx

IPhone Convert

So this morning I set up my new iPhone. As much as I said I'd never get one, when my old phone started to die and the contract came up, I couldn't resist looking in to it and TA DA! Here it is. If you don't have one, get one. Not only does it look good and do lots of helpful things but it has blogger, so now I have no excuse not to write on here at least 3 times a week. Although I must remember my data allowance!
See you around!
Lots of love
VA x x x

New Year, New Me

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. As usual, at this time of year, we all start pondering our new year's resolutions and trying to put them off as long as possible. Seeing as I'm on holiday this week, I thought I'd best get cracking. So far, I've been to the gym twice this week, have spent very little money and am writing my first blog post of the year. Unfortunately, I'm still battling with the eating less sugar portion of the resolutions, but I'll get there. Another resolution was to get myself a better/happier job. Thankfully for me, I didn't have to wait long for the opportunity. Last Thursday a trainee buyer job came up at work, and of course I very quickly checked with my Manager that I was ok to apply. We'll have to wait and see how it goes! Other than that, the main aim of this year is to be more positive and outgoing with my activities. This include continuing my sewing after 2 course over the last 2 years. I have 2 dresses to complete, a jacket to make, and a number of other things including a kaftan and sarong that I need for my summer holiday! Hopefully, if I give myself an hour or 2 every week, I can get some of these projects done. And with my sewing friend, Jenny Stitches, making things left right and centre, I should have all the inspiration I need! Photos to follow! And good luck with your resolutions. Lots of love, VA xxx - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home