Summer started with a trip to London with my friends Chris and Matt for a day trip to see the Alexander McQueen:Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A Museum. We booked these tickets about a year before we actually went to see it so it was very exciting to finally get the chance to see his work up close and personal. I've admired Alexander McQueen for years and have a couple of his books showcasing his work. I was devastated when I found out about his death (didn't speak to my family for quite a while) and so I felt a little emotional when I saw some of my favourite pieces during the exhibition. What an amazing creator he was? If you head on over to my textile blog you can read the full review.
Next up, my birthday where I turned the grand old age of 23! Saying goodbye to being 22 wasn't something I wanted to do as 22 felt like a good age, it was an age I seemed to like. I had a lovely birthday full of treats with my favourite being a trip to the Dr. Martins store where my boyfriend let me chose any pair I wanted for my birthday gift. I was in there quite a while and tried on so many pairs but, after years and years of wanting a pair, I had to walk away with a pair I loved. If I could wear mine everyday I think I would, I adore them and can't wait to add another pair to my collection. I also went to the White Rabbit Teahouse for lunch and Edin's for a birthday dinner before going to see San Andreas (good but cheesy) and limping home in my DM's because I had a blister. Which wasn't a great thing to have because I had the Derby Ramathon the next day. Yes, I did a 13.1 mile marathon and thought I was going to pass out on the side of the road. It was tough and I suffered the entire afternoon that day from dehydration but I would definitely do another one ... I think! But at least I can say the first thing I did at 23 was run a half marathon hey?
Pride in London was the next event I went to with Chris, Matt, Alex and Chris for a day of fabulous fun and over heating underneath the London sun. I have never been to Pride before but after experiencing the incredible atmosphere that it brings to London I would definitely go again. Everywhere you go people are happy and everyone is dancing and drinking to music. It seems to be the ideal place to meet people from all over the UK and possibly the world and chat about things you have in common. Seeing Soho packed with people enjoying themselves immediately cheers you up and makes you feel good about yourself. And I can honestly say I have never ever seen London so busy before. Constant foot path block I ensure you!
A trip up to Scotland has to be a part of my summers now! This trip and last summers trip to Skye have been altogether a real blast of fun, laughter, mountain walks and sight seeing. I love going up there and exploring the different country walks and experiencing Glasgow with a glass of fizz. We all got together for the Wimbledon final which featured lots of fizz, tea, sandwiches, strawberries and scones. It was a lot of fun and I think I spent most of the day pretending to know what on earth was going on in the match (as I do every game and every year). Plus, who doesn't love drinking tea out of vintage teacups and saucers?
Whilst in Scotland, me and my boyfriend attempted to do some camping. We only did one night in the woods close to his house but I think that was certainly enough because we forget sleeping bags which meant it was freezing! I had very little sleep and when it hit 5am it was time to be defeated by the cold and head back through fields and mud for some much needed sleep and food. I felt like I had been out partying all night and just got in I was that tired. But it was a great laugh trying to light the fire, cook sausages (that fell in the fire) and chat about nonsense before I became slightly freaked out by the dark. I really enjoy camping and generally don't mind getting muddy so this is something I need to do again.
Back in Nottingham I went for a morning gym session with Jess which was followed by this amazing breakfast at The Pudding Pantry. I think we maybe went overboard with food excitement, but we did work hard for it and the taste of the food made it all worth while. I wish I could have a breakfast like this every morning. The morning ended up with us dreaming of our own cafe and what we would call it. Oh how I wish that could be possible.
Yes, I know I keep banging on about it but that Lush event was most certainly a highlight of my summer. My first blogger event was such an exciting, happy and beautifully smelly one. I still haven't used any of my products but already have a list in my head of the ones I must by from the new collection. It will be dangerous working quite close to a Lush store. I hope to get the chance to get more involved with blogger events after having a taste of this one.
And lastly, after going on and on and on at the beginning of this year about how much I wanted a picnic in the park on a tartan blanket I finally managed to squeeze one in. We went to the local park (Arboretum Park) near the University on a cloudy day with our Greggs and popcorn (fine cuisine I know) and sat there cloud watching. Only downside is I totally forget the tartan blanket so I will just have to try again next year.
Summer 2015 ended up being better than I imagined. Of course, I would love to have got a city break in there somewhere but thats a goal for next summer I hope. I am slightly looking forward to the Autumn/Winter nights but will miss the sunshine because I am one of those people that feels happy when the sun is shining ... I just don't like overheating!
One thing that isn't featured in the photographs but is a huge and happy part of my summer is the arrival of my little nephew, William. I wanted to add this one but the photo I had wasn't a great one so thought best to just give him a mention. He has been a little poorly so myself and the rest of the family cannot wait for his return home so we can all play with him and spend time with him. I will certainly enjoy being this little guys friend!
What was your favourite moments of this summer?
- Speak soon, Lisa Jayne X
