#MegaMysteryBus Tour with MegaBus, #MegaMysteryBus Tour, #MegaMysteryBus, MegaBus UK, MegaBus, Bus, Coach,, Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock, 221b Baker Street, London, London Life, Love London, Streets of London, Lifestyle, Blogger, Fay Simone

#MegaMysteryBus Tour with MegaBus

221b Baker Street – what does that mean to you?! If it doesn’t then that is absolutely fine but if you like myself are a lover of all things Sherlock Holmes (Since Robert Downey Jr & Benedict Cumberbatch OF COURSE!) then that address will mean more to you than your average quotation mark or less than 140 character Twitter status!

Sherlock Holmes is the well known sociopathic detective with an uncanny imagination, brilliant mind and quite far on-spectrum personality. His work takes him across the length and breadth of my beautiful city London with his sidekick and friend Dr Watson. Together they seek out the illustrious Professor Moriarty their arch enemy.

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So now we have a little background… Just imagine how I felt when I was invited on a Mega Mystery Bus Tour by the lovelies at Megabus. Literally I jumped for joy and replied as soon as my hands stopped shaking from excitement. Sadly Catherine (Vintage Frills) was unable to make it but I was very lucky to be in the presence of some absolutely awesome blogger babes.

My team was Team 1 and consisted of the following babes:

Fran – @frannymac_

Diana – @grungekittyphotogeek

Angie – @chocolateandlipstick

Alessia – @theblondpond

Charli – @charlinice

Eboni – @eboniivoryblog

We all arrived to the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel London and were welcomed with drinks and lots of tasty nibbles (I mean a mini burger = YUM!!). We were then hushed to a halt by two very suspicious looking policemen who informed us that we were needed to assist the one and only Mr Holmes in solving a series of crimes occurring across our lovely city of London with the hashtag #MegaMysteryBus.

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Once sorted into groups we headed to the bus where each group was given an iPad (a very large one that thankfully had a rugged case and handle!) in a bag of cards full of clues and handy hints to gain points and get to the bottom of a series of clues that would lead to the secret code for the team to open the beautifully marbled Cryptex that was in the bottom of each bag. I felt like it was a crossover of the Da Vinci code which would be EPIC by the way – just FYI guys!

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#MegaMysteryBus Tour with MegaBus, #MegaMysteryBus Tour, #MegaMysteryBus, MegaBus UK, MegaBus, Bus, Coach,, Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock, 221b Baker Street, London, London Life, Love London, Streets of London, Lifestyle, Blogger, Fay Simone

For the next couple of hours we tore around the streets of London taking pictures, chasing ‘criminals’ and finding clues that would get us to the end of a very tiring but enjoyable adventure. On the bus back were told that there would be a special guest awaiting our arrival and it was not Sherlock! It was of course the Megabus man (does he have a name?! If so let me know!). When we got back into the warm the winners were announced – we came SECOND!!!!!!! Yay!!!

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Would I do it again – TOTALLY! But next time I would make sure that I was in comfy clothes and not post work clothes (preferably gym gear!).

A massive thank you to the lovely people at Megabus & Search Laboratory (Jennie – @lifestyledbyj) for hosting me and to Matt for snapping lots of lovely pics for us whilst we were on the run – I had an absolute blast.

All photographs used in this post were taken by Matt Chappell for Search Laboratory who kindly gave me permission to use them.

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International Women's Day 2018, International Women's Day, Woman's History Month, Mind The Gap, London Underground

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month together shall we…?!

Throughout the month of March it is officially Women’s History Month, now you may have noticed that there is an awareness day/week/month for almost everything now but you know what I honestly LOVE it. If we all show a little more awareness about the little things in life then it can really make a big difference.

You may or may not know that this year is the 100th year anniversary since women were legally allowed to vote – that is a HUGE milestone and being an independent women with the right to legally share my views and be counted as part of the general population without feeling like a second class citizen is a very good feeling. Of course for this I am extremely thankful to those that fought the good fight all of those years ago to actually make it all happen. There is still a large gap with regards to equality but it is one that is closing day by day.

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On Thursday 8th March it is International Women’s Day and there are a whole host of events happening across the city. This year will be even more significant than those before it strongly owing to the #MeToo movement.

Penguin recently announced a pop-up bookstore called Like A Woman Bookshop – The book shop will be selling the works of only female authors which will be organised by theme – it will be open from 5th to 9th March in the Shoreditch area. There are a couple of events at the shop itself that are still available on the Penguin web page for the Like A Woman Bookshop. There are also a whole host of other delightful events over on the International Women’s Day website.

From this little corner of the blogosphere I just wanted to give a huge shout out to three people that I consider amazing women. Of course the first one is my mother and although at times she can test my patience I love her unconditionally and that will never stop. She is ½ of the reason why and how I am who I am today and I will forever be thankful for that. The second person is Catherine from Vintage Frills, we have been friends from the age of 13 and no matter what even through petty and some long term arguments we have always been there for each other. We get on each others nerves but we also ‘GET’ each other. She may not be my sister by blood but is my sister from the heart and that will never change. And last but not least is one particular individual that I feel strangely protective over which annoys her all the time but she loves it too. We work together and although we fall out we have been friends for 4 years now and I’m sure there will be many more to come – if she behaves herself! Oh dear Sash!

International Women's Day 2018, International Women's Day, Woman's History Month, Fay Simone

What can I say, the Madre has good taste!

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This one was nabbed from her beautiful insta feed!

International Women's Day 2018, International Women's Day, Woman's History Month, Fay Simone

Nabbed off her Facebook page as she would kill me if I posted one of my pics! If it’s good enough for the princess’ FB page!!

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So… who are the women in your life that you like, love and respect?!

Please remember sharing is caring!

There will be more posts throughout the month so keep checking back.

#InternationalWomensDay

#WomensHistoryMonth

One of THOSE Days, Rant, Shit Day, Coffee, Department of Coffee, Fay Simone

Today is definitely feeling like ‘one of THOSE days!’ – you know the sort of days where it seems that absolutely nothing can go write but it really isn’t that bad in the long run?!

Today (Monday) from the start was an absolute disaster story and it actually quite surprised me as usually I’m not usually an ‘I HATE MONDAY’ kinda girl, much more of a ‘get on and grind!”. Today however beat me, it really did. From the moment I woke up it was doomed I tell you – my phone is FUCKED and I mean completely unusable. From what I had been told the Samsung S8+ was shatterproof. Well, to save your hearts from breaking if you have one and in the hope that you will get an even stronger case than the one I chose from Spigen (I absolutely LOVE their phone accessories) – it is most definitely NOT. The sick joke of the situation is it feel from about 10cm away from the floor which is NOT a great height guys! Really isn’t all about size is it. Like I said up top – ‘one of THOSE days!’.

So, as you can see with my day slightly in tatters I had to get up and just get on. Thankfully NatWest Bank Advantage Gold Insurance covers my phone and hopefully by tomorrow or the day after (today or Wednesday!) I will have a brand spankin’ new handset (THANK YOU NATWEST – You have made me one very happy girl!).

Monslay, Monday, Weekday, Monday Motivation, Morning Motivation, Fay SimoneThe above caption/pic is not mine – it was found on Google!

After the main catastrophe of the day I headed to the gym with Catherine and we did a little buddy workout before I had to rush off to work for a couple of hours after my post shower melt down of not packing any clean underwear (yep that happened and thank christ I only had to be at work for a couple hours literally *rolling my eyes HARD*). Finally after a few more little manic episodes (which were at work so we won’t be talking about those!) I was able to grab a coffee and some food and head over to Catherine’s house for a quick catch up, cup of tea (her selection is INSANE!) before heading home to chill.

It may sound like it has been a chill day but I haven’t felt this manic in a long time and actually ended up with either a spot or cold sore on my bottom lip (my skin doesn’t seem to be able to make up it’s mind which one it wants on there!) which is bloody painful. So, as things were uber shit I decided that it was time for a mega self care session. Which I will detail in my next post as this particular rant has gone on LONG ENOUGH don’t you think!

Have a great Tuesday – hopefully it is not ‘One of THOSE days!’

I would LOVE to hear your #TuesdayThoughts

A Perfect Sunday, Matcha Latte, Sunday, What makes a perfect sunday, 5 things to do on Sunday, Preparation, Cleaning, Reading, Coffee Drinking, Tea Drinking

What is your idea of ‘A Perfect Sunday’?

There are several things that make a perfect Sunday for me. Of course we all have different ways of relaxing and spending our days whether that be writing a trusty to do list for the week ahead or taking a full day to rest, recuperate and prepare yourself mentally for Monday morning and the rest of  the days that you gain to speak aloud just because they are not part of the glorious weekend.

Personally as I work shifts and I will be spending this particular Sunday doing a 12 hour stretch courtesy of the NHS (it sounds like prison, but it’s not!) it will not be a perfect Sunday so I will of course be taking full advantage of my Saturday (yesterday) and other days off in the week. Now, without waffling on for too long I’m gonna delve into a few of my favourite things about what makes a perfect Sunday for me.

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Tea

When I say I’m not talking about your regular cup of Yorkshire Gold (I do love a good cuppa) but something more like a nice Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey or a recent favourite of mine Liquorice & Peppermint. There are so many brands out there but most recently I have been revelling in the glory of Pukka Teas. When brewed as instructed the flavour for a tea bag is exquisite and the closest I have got to my beloved loose leaf tea. A cup of tea is one of the first things that I have each day and it really does give me that centred feeling – the 10 minutes that I have to myself each day whilst enjoying a cuppa is just the best thing so of course it is a great start to a perfect Sunday.

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Reading & Coffee

I know that we seem to have moved quickly from a good cuppa straight to coffee but after a quick drive to the town centre I grab an extra hot coffee a stack of magazines  alongside my most recent book on the go and like to head back to bed or curl up by the window and watch the world go by. It might sound a bit wanky but who gives a shit – it’s a perfect Sunday for me right!

Recently I have preferred a nice oat latte (regular milk doesn’t seem to agree with my digestive system anymore – must be the age or previous over indulgence!). Onto the stack well let’s have a look shall we:

  • The Simple Things (Monthly)
  • Blogosphere (Quarterly)
  • Kinfolk (Bi-Annual)
  • Cereal (Bi-Annual)
  • Current Read: Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon
  • Current Audio Book: Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch read by Kobna Holbrook-Smith (otherwise known as the sexiest reading voice I have listened to in quite some time!)

There are plenty other options for reading materials but these are the ones that are currently on my radar and will continue to be for quite some time.

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Self Care

From foot scrub to face masks a perfect Sunday is one that all of the proverbial above are included. Recently I have been using a particularly popular Garnier sheet mask that can usually be found in Boots on offer and my advice is to take full advantage of such offers (Boots Advantage – oh I do make myself laugh!). Recently I tried out the new Charcoal Black version and let’s just say it was less than great, there will be a comparison on the blog very soon.

One of my favourite parts of my little self care ritual is something that may seem incredibly minuscule but really does make a big difference – lip care. Scrubbing my lips at least once a week and keeping them well moisturised especially in the colder weather really does make a difference. For as long as I can remember I have been using Lush’s Mint Julips – it is just the freshest feeling when you scrub away the dry bits and wash off the scrub to a refreshing supple set of lips. After a good scrub and rinse I like to use the luxurious Nuxe Reve De Miel – it smells of lemons and prolongs the feeling of freshness on a perfect Sunday morning.

A Perfect Sunday, Sunday, What makes a perfect Sunday, 5 things to do on Sunday, Preparation, Cleaning, Reading, Comfortable clothes

A long bath is the finishing touch for the self care portion of a perfect Sunday. So whilst the hot water is running I finally make the bed, make another cuppa and grab one of my favourite bath bombs (at the moment I am LOVING a mixture of Lush’s Over and Over bath bomb mixed with a Butterball bath bomb. The mixture of the two give you a beautiful colour, scent and feeling on the skin – what more could you ask for on a perfect Sunday?!

A Perfect Sunday, Sunday, What makes a perfect sunday, 5 things to do on Sunday, Preparation, Cleaning, Reading, Planning ahead, weekly planner, stock photoThis picture is a stock photo (the only one in this post as I couldn’t find a relevant photo of my own today!) – it states that no credit is needed but the the person who takes these photos has an amazing selection – please check it out HERE and donate if you want to/can.

Planning

A perfect Sunday is one that consists of list writing, meal planning and general life admin. Not the sort of admin that takes all day but the sort that can happen in bite sized chunks over copious amounts of tea, coffee and snacks. I am the first to admit that I am bit OCD when it comes to getting my diary and general life in order so it is perfect when I actually have the time to sit and mull things over. As I work shifts each week is different so I plan out what I can realistically get done on my days off according to my set out shift pattern and then any other time I have is either spent with friends and family and planning out blog content.

A Perfect Sunday, Sunday, What makes a perfect sunday, 5 things to do on Sunday, Preparation, Cleaning, washing up

Cleaning

Don’t you just love a good clear out?! I know that I do! There is nothing better than clearing out out make up, making room for new bits and having a shift around with current storage solutions. I like to bleach the bath, toilet and sink and then give it a good scrub before I run my Sunday morning bath ready for lush special. Once a month I like to get out all of my make up brushes & tools and give them a good scrub – it is incredibly satisfying.

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Moving on to the kitchen and despite having a dishwasher I find it quite therapeutic standing and doing the washing up whilst listening to my most recent audio book – in fact that is how I get through most of my cleaning – with an audio book. It is great to have a clean house ready for the week ahead.

So . . . that is a close to perfect Sunday for me lovelies – what is your definition of a perfect (or close to!) Sunday? I’d love to know what you get up to…

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To truly ‘Flourish‘ is to grow and develop.

Personally growth and development are the two things that I feel that I would like to put my all into over the next year. It has taken me many years to be comfortable in myself and stop feeling the need to compare myself to others. I keep a very small friendship group as I find it incredibly hard to trust people and let them in.

To truly grow and develop I believe that it is something that needs to be not only emotional but also physically and mentally. It may seem like two small components in life but to do them both on such an epic (on a personal level!) scale is something that is not only daunting but extremely exciting.

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There are so many parts of my self that I am looking forward to exploring and either improving, eradicating or just enjoying. Like many of you out there I love a good list so it’s time guys – let’s break out a list and see where it goes!

Monthly Attitude

When you think of “monthly attitude” what is the first thing that comes to mind?! Well, let me tell you during my ‘time’ I am far from a dream-boat and closer to true definition of a complete and utter wanker (Urban Dictionary point 2!). Yep, I admit it – when I am on my period I don’t just see red I can be vile.

So, what am I going to do about it? In the effort to stop acting out I am going to look more into myself and spend a little more time alone. I figure that if I spend the time pampering myself and feeling good from within I won’t be such a vile human on the outside. I’ll let you know how I get on – I’m sure it will be on Insta or at least Twitter!

Caring

Contrary to the belief I would have put in you that I can be totally and utterly vile (see above!) for the rest of the month and my life I am actually a very caring person. I care hard and fast and have very little time for those that don’t give a shit. I am fiercely loyal and loving and those that are close to me know what I am like. To the naked eye (general public) I may come across as crass with a general disdain for people with a devil-may-care attitude but that is not farther from the truth.

Two of my closest friends recently alerted me to the fact that I tend to attract people who ‘need help’. Whether that help is emotionally, physically or mentally I seem to be the one that most people lean on.

Now, I don’t want to stop caring but right now I feel incredibly drained so I think for my own good I need to stop putting my all into others and think more about me. Of course I will continue to care for those that are in my life and of course those that I choose to care about but the time has come for me to take a step back and let people get the hell on with whatever they are going to do – even if I can see them on the path to ruin (that sounds a lot more dramatic than the way I mean it!).

***Blimey this post is getting VERY introspective isn’t it!***

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Nothing But The Truth

Telling someone how it is isn’t something that has to be a nasty experience. With many years experience of not holding back that doesn’t make me a bitch (although I am self-confessed!) it is just easier to tell someone the truth instead of instilling false hope and then losing a potential friendship because a little white lie grows into something that neither of you can handle in the end. My friendships are based on respect and those that are closest to me know that I won’t lie to them about my feelings and thoughts. This is something that I will most definitely not change about myself – if anything I will continue to be this way and encourage others to do so if they so wish.

The truth may hurt but if told from the get go is like a plaster (band-aid for the Americans!) – if ripped off hurts a little but then the pain is gone. Concealing a lie is not only hard work but also hurts a lot more when found out as the distrust will eat away at you.

The list is of course ongoing but for now I think that is more than enough!

What is on your word for the year?

Check out Elizabeth’s awesome post & it may help you choose your word
—>CLICK HERE<—

There is a great downloadable list and plenty of space to help you mull things over. Although I was encouraged by this list mine came to me in a moment of inspiration on the toilet!

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