Lifestyle Archives - Page 40 of 49

Hello Lovelies,

Today marks a very special day in Tramp Towers. My beautiful husband turns the big 3-0 today.

To celebrate his big birthday, I whisked him off to Italy a few days ago so that he can wake up on his birthday here. It was meant to be a surprise holiday. I’m never very good at keeping things from him. I lasted 3 months before I had to tell him as he started talking about having a birthday party today.

I’ve sneakily brought a nice big tacky 30 badge and a few decorations for the apartment today so I hope he has a great day, even though he is away from friends and family.

I hope you will all join in with me, to wish Paul a very, very happy 30th Birthday!

Spotlight on…. Abi Hill, the Face of Simply Be

Hello Lovelies,

It’s Friday, it’s Spotlight time and it’s a good one this week!

This week in the Spotlight, I’m pleased to introduce you to not only a gorgeous lady, but the national face of Simply Be AND a good old local lass to boot! A veritable triple threat of awesomeness!

Abi fell in to modelling accidentally, and after studying Economics at Uni (Blimey!!) she’s one smart missus, proving not all models are anorexic bimbos (Yes, stereotyping here!)

A fantastic role model for aspiring models and other fashion focused plus size ladies, I will let the lovely Abi tell you more about herself and her role as Simply Be’s face of 2012!

Q : Tell us a little bit about your modelling and why you started

I actually started as a model almost accidentally! I initially entered Miss England heats, mostly for fun. When I won one the opportunity of modelling work came about and it’s something I’ve worked away at ever since winning Miss Loughborough in 2010. My biggest break definitely came when I won the Simply Be Model Search, which got me a great agency in 12+ UK, as well as a spread in Reveal Magazine and a lovely trip to New York!

Q: What is your favourite part of modelling?

It’s tough to say – I love seeing all the new styles and trends for an upcoming season but I also love working with so many different people.

Q: What is your least favourite part?

Definitely the early mornings!! I’m also really self-critical so I forever find myself looking at a finished shoot and thinking I could have done something a little better or something.

Q: If you could go back to the time you started, what would you do differently?

I don’t know if I would do anything differently – Pageantry can be frowned upon as outdated or anti-feminist but it really gave me the confidence to push myself as a model and also as a person. I certainly can’t knock how I started out even if I’ve since taken a slightly different path. Everything happens for a reason.

Q: What advice could you give to new models just starting their adventure?

Don’t expect everything to fall into place – you get out what you put in! It’s a tough, relentless industry and not everyone makes it, so make sure you make the most of wherever you go with it, but don’t forget where you came from because it could end just as quickly. If you have a good idea what you want to achieve as a model, make sure the people you work with can fit that sort of style or genre – it’s no good shooting with a glamour photographer if you want to be a fashion model. Check out local colleges as they always have photography students looking for models, some of whom are actually very talented. Finally, some practical advice many a stylist will love you for following – good quality, well fitted nude seamless underwear. Nothing worse than a VPL on a fashion shoot, or “four-boob” under a gorgeous top. This is something I struggle with because of my weird ability to be anything from a 36A to a 38C depending on the shop (I average a 36C/38B), so once I got that sussed out I found fashion shoots a lot less stressful!

Q: What’s your shopping style – Budgeted, splurge or frugal?

I studied Economics so I pride myself on being pretty decent at money handling and budgeting…I clearly didn’t take my Economics to New York with me! Over here I’m usually pretty good at resisting temptation but it was too much over there – I didn’t buy stuff I could get here but I went crazy in shops like Victoria’s Secret (where I FINALLY found my perfect fitting bra, hallelujah! I’ve only been wearing bras ten years…) and American Eagle who aren’t over here yet, and I did buy quite a lot of NFL and NHL merchandise for my favourite teams/players.

Q: What are your favourite brands and why?

Victoria’s Secret – they cost me a small fortune but repay me with excellent lingerie and sleepwear. American Eagle – super comfy casuals and reasonably priced too (my zip hoodie which has barely been off my back since I got it was only $39 and it still looks like new). I love a good rummage through Topshop, New Look, Dorothy Perkins and H&M too, and for occasions I love my yellow Jovani evening gown. I saved up for 5 months to buy it and I still love it as much as the first time I ever saw it. My next target purchase is a cocktail dress by Butter By Nadia, it’s an American company and this dress is a halter style but you can tie it over 30 different ways, so it’s 30 dresses in one – or at least that’s how I’m trying to justify it…

Q: Do you take inspiration from the media or do you go it alone and rock your own style?

I tend to pay a bit of attention to what people are raving about but if I don’t feel comfortable in a trend, I don’t wear it. For example, I love bandage dresses but you’d never catch me wearing a crop top or bum-bearing hot pants. I was never a fan of those suspender tights either. I keep an eye on colours more than anything but regardless of whether it’s in or not, if I like a colour I’ll wear it!

Q: What would you say your ‘signature look’ is, whether that’s make up or fashion?

When I’m just lounging around I’m very much a laidback, sweatpants and oversized sports team t-shirt kind of person. Recently though when I’ve been out and about I’ve started wearing a lot more fashion and makeup inspired by the 40s and 50s – I love the femininity of that era and it’s perfect because I’m not one for flashing the flesh. Red lips, curls (I must love it to attempt curling my annoyingly straight hair!), skirts and blouses etc. It’s not always practical but hey, it looks good!

Right… now on to the more interesting questions – The personal ones. These are the ones I always wonder about bloggers!

Q: How old are you?

I’m 20, 21 in August. Starting to realise I’m no longer a teenager…

Q: What do you do? Student? Work? Profession?

Up until January last year I studied Economics at Loughborough, but I quit because I didn’t like it anymore and it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Since then I’ve worked in retail and right now I’m involved in a Prince’s Trust scheme which includes outdoor activities and community projects. I genuinely have no clue what I want to do in the long-run but I’ve looked at becoming a Fire Fighter or staying within retail. Next summer I hope to go out to America and teach horse-riding to American kids in Summer Camps.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t modelling?

Well, I touched on it earlier but I’m a HUGE sports fan – I love my American Football and Ice hockey, so I try to watch games both over here and on TV from the US and Canada. I got to see a New York Rangers/Pittsburgh Penguins NHL game when I was in New York and it was unbelievable. Next target is a New York Jets game! I also have two whippets, who I love to bits and love taking for walks on the beach. I’m lucky I live right next to a gorgeous beach here in Northumberland!

Q: What kind of music do you like?

I’ll listen to a bit of everything – my last 10 downloads on iTunes have been a Latin classical music album, Jason Mraz, Alexandra Burke, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Rascal Flatts, Katy Perry, Tim McGraw and some guilty pleasures – One Direction and this year’s Eurovision winner Loreen.

Q: Happy to be seen bare faced or do you always wear make up?

Generally happy to be seen bare faced, unless I’m going somewhere really important or smart in which case I like to have at least a tinted moisturiser and some mascara.

Q: What do you love most about beauty and fashion?

Plus size fashion finally getting trendy, places finally stocking size 9 shoes and a tall section as far as fashion goes. With beauty I love being able to experiment with colours and texture.

Q: What do you hate most about beauty and fashion?

All the stereotypes about models and people in the industry being stupid little anorexic girls with no other life ambition. Modelling wasn’t my first career choice nor will it be what I do for life, so I don’t really like that assumption people make.

And finally… the biggy…..

Q: If you had to invest in 1 designer piece… money no object…. would it be a pair of shoes, a handbag or a dress? I want to see pictures!!!

I’m saving that money-no-object approach for one dress only – my wedding dress. Its one dress I can’t afford to get wrong and simply will NOT compromise on. Sorry future Mr Abi, whoever you may be…

I haven’t yet decided on a style but right now my preference is towards something with a vintage feel to it, but still with structure and sophistication. My dream dress (yes I’ve been looking!) by Maggie Sottero has been discontinued but something in this sort of style, maybe with lace as opposed to bling, would be ideal for me. Failing that I want this exact Jovani ball-gown dress – it’s amazing how I’ve picked out two totally different styles!

Hello Lovelies,

Afternoon everyone!

Guess what, the Toon Floods are back! Boo!

It’s been my first full week at my new job and I have to say I’ve loved it. It’s been a lot to take in but I think it’s a keeper, ha ha!

As we are away during the week when it’s Mr T’s birthday, he’s started his celebrations a bit early to make sure we see everyone. Today we spent the afternoon with some very good friends, having a nice surprise meal for Mr T in Fat Buddha in town. Mr T was even more surprised when the waiter brought out a ooey gooey chocolate cake covered in candles!

Like I said, Toon Floods 2 hit again while we were inside, so we ate our food watching the armageddon rain and huge hailstones lying and floating along in the floods. Not cool people, not cool. It was even worse that we had parked at the other end of the city centre to the restaurant! Just as we were about to tackle the rains unaided, the wonderful staff handed us 4 umbrellas to see us safely and as dryly as we could to get back to the cars. All the staff were fantastic in the restaurant.

We have a Fat Buddha in Durham which is my local one, but if you are even in Newcastle (or Durham) I wholeheartedly recommend the restaurants. The staff in the Newcastle one today were all absolute dolls and a real credit to the company!

Nothing else much to report really, been busy working away for the new job and preparing for the upcoming holidays. I should probably spend the rest of the afternoon packing seeing as I will have zero time during the week! Eeep!

A red eyed, hungover Mr Tramp (Isn’t he lovely!!)

Hip Hop Hooray

A Spotlight on….. Becky from The Colour Carousel

Hello Lovelies,

It’s Friday and it means one thing… Spotlight time!! Woo!

The gorgeous Becky from The Colour Carousel is one hot mamma. Just look at those red lips! I swear she reminds me of the unstoppable Florence Welsh!

The Colour Carousel is a lovely mix of content from budget beauty buys, product reviews, NOTDs through to fashion and wins from blog give aways (jammy cow – I’m so unlucky!).

A gorgeous blog from a gorgeous lady with great content. I recommend you all check our Becky’s Blog HERE or follow her on Twitter HERE

Q : Tell us a little bit about your blog(s) and why you started it /them
My blog is mainly about beauty reviews and other beauty and fashion related posts. I aim mainly to inform people about budget products whilst making it fun and easy to relate to. I started it only a few months ago, after previously having blogs on more general topics. I wanted to start a beauty/fashion/lifestyle blog because I have a huge interest in these things!

Q : What is your favourite part of blogging?
I love talking to like-minded people about my interests in beauty and other things. I also love reading what other people have to say on their own blogs.

Q : What is your least favourite part?

I don’t really have one as of yet!

Q : If you could go back to the time you started your blog, what would you do differently?

Being fairly new to the beauty blogging world I’m not sure what I would change! I would perhaps try to make it look a little more appealing on the surface, perhaps changing the layout etc, as I think first impressions are really important.

Q : What advice could you give to new bloggers just starting their blogging adventure?
I would probably say the most important thing is to enjoy writing your blog and don’t focus too much upon the number of followers, be patient and if people like what they see then the followers will come!

Q : What’s your shopping style – Budgeted, splurge or frugal? Do you ever shop solely with your blog in mind?
I would say a mixture of budgeted and splurge! I have bought a few things to date that I perhaps wouldn’t have done otherwise, with the intention of reviewing them or comparing them to other products.

Q : What are your favourite brands and why?

My favourite beauty brands are affordable yet great in my opinion- such as Revlon, Rimmel, Barry M etc. In terms of fashion, I love Topshop!

Q : Do you take inspiration from the media or do you go it alone and rock your own style?

I try to keep my blog in my own style. If I am influenced at all it is usually by other people in the blogging world.

Q : What would you say your ‘signature look’ is, whether that’s make up or fashion?

My look is quite colourful! Yet tasteful, I hope! In both make-up and fashion, but particularly fashion!

Right… now on to the more interesting questions – The personal ones. These are the ones I always wonder about bloggers!

Q : How old are you?

I’m 20, 21 soon! *EDIT – This makes me feel well old!! K*

Q : What do you do? Student? Work? Profession?

I am a degree student studying for an art degree.

Q : What do you like to do when you aren’t blogging?

I love art, so this is the main hobby besides blogging. I also play the guitar and love that too!

Q : What kind of music do you like?

A bit of everything! My favourite bands are mainly rock/alternative though, like Breaking Benjamin, The Rasmus and Muse.

Q : Happy to be seen bare faced or do you always wear make up?

If I’m not going out then I wouldn’t wear make-up, but if I’m leaving the house I will at least but a bit on.

Q : What do you love most about beauty and fashion?

I really like how you can create your own unique style! Without beauty and fashion I think it would make us all look a little similar perhaps!

Q : What do you hate most about beauty and fashion?

This is a tricky one. I would probably say I don’t like the way in which some products are a bit of a gimmick, as in they sound amazing and claim to do great things but are perhaps no better than anything else (cheaper alternatives!).

And finally… the biggy…..

Q : If you had to invest in 1 designer piece… money no object…. would it be a pair of shoes, a handbag or a dress? I want to see pictures!!!

A handbag! I love handbags! I love Vivienne Westwood as the handbags she designs are so quirky and colourful. In particular, I’d love this one!

So there you have it, another great Spotlight. As always, if you want to get involved, please email me : [email protected]

Hello Lovelies,

An early one for me, but as they say, the early bird catches the worm!

And I’ve been up since 4am for the 2nd day in a row. Saturday morning was due to some chav shennanigans in my sleepy little village, some lad was off his face on something and passed out in the street then reawoke raging, queue 2hrs of his mates and parents trying to calm him down, pin him down, drag him home and then finally 2 police cars, a riot van and an ambulance turned up! Worrying thing was, in his addled state, he’d wandered in to my cul de sac and decided to sit on my front door step! Not cool folks, NOT COOL!

Last night, after a very lovely day at the races with Mr Tramp & my lovely friend Laura, Mr Tramp was up again praying to the porcelain gods, roaring like a dinosaur. And with that mental image well ingrained, i’ll skip on to something else!

I started my new job this week. It was a great new start and although there’s a LOT to learn and take in, I think it’s going to be awesome. After 9yr with my previous employer, a fresh start and new challenge is just what I need! The fun part of a new job is buying lots and lots of new work clothes though so that’s been super fun!

Of course, Ladies Day was extra fun too. I’ve never actually been to the proper races before. Being a country bumpkin i’ve seen lots of racing…. just not wearing a dress and hat! Mr Tramp and I were joined by my friend Laura and we hung out in the cool Metrocentre marquee, watching the fashion shows, chatting to the traders on the day…. oh my, I wanted to buy all the Biba bags! During the fashion show, i’m not going to lie, Mr T enjoyed the ladies in the skimpy Boux Avenue & La Senza goodies and us ladies were treated to 2 gorgeous male models in their tight pants doing a very fine wiggle wiggle wiggle to LMFAO’s Sexy song. What a treat!

Needless to say, Laura and Mr Tramp ended up very drunk and I was stone cold sober as usual. It made the drive home extra taxing. Especially as they were trying to decant red wine in to a water bottle while doing 70 on the motorway! *shakes head*

On with the pictures, i’ve waffled enough.

Happy 30th Birthday Mr Tramp

Spotlight on…. Abi Hill, the Face of Simply Be

What Katie Did #29

A Spotlight on….. Becky from The Colour Carousel

What Katie Did #28