InstaDiary: Week 22

Farmer-like OOTD // Home made Millionaires Shortbread // Sunny Sundays // Goodies I won in Jesska's giveaway // The most amazing mango yoghurt // Copying the Van Der Woodsen's artwork // Pretending to have short hair // The first coffee I've ever been proud of // Watching an artist at work.

KJ xo

The Festival Edit

 1. T-Shirt with Crossover Back - Zara, £17.99 // 2. Daddy Cool Trainers - ASOS, £45 // 3. Felt Pork Pie Hat - ASOS, £22 // 4. Mesh Bow Scrunchie - ASOS, £8 // 5. Tapestry Bum Bag - Urban Outfitters, £20 // 6. Vintage Pattern Ring - Rings And Tings, £6.50 // 7. Fringed Kimono - H&M, £29.99 // 8. Daisy Chain Watch - ASOS, £18 // 9. Slogan T-Shirt - Zara, £12.99 // 10. Purple Acid Wash Denim Shorts - Miss Selfridge, £25 // 11. Sequin Nails in "White" - Barry M, £3.99

May Favourites 2014

It seems a little unbelievable to me that June has rolled around already. For the last four years of my life, May has meant revision, exams, deadlines, stress and a fair few tears; it's been pretty blissful not having those worries this year and being able to spend the occasional sunny days sitting in pub gardens and the drizzly ones snuggling under the duvet. It also means that I have no excuse to be slack on the blogging front, so here we go with another set of monthly favourites...

DIY: Mason Jar Storage

 I decided to get a little bit crafty for my Mum's birthday this year, but being the last minute gal that I am, I needed something quick and easy. I decided to label up a load of mason jars to use as kitchen storage; it only took me 15 minutes and they're super cute! I feel kind of silly writing this as a DIY post, as it really is so simple that even a five year old could probably have a go, so try and see this post more as inspirational than instructional...  

A Pop Of Colour

A couple of days ago, whilst birthday shopping for my mum, I got dragged in to Topman and subsequently ended up in Topshop. The Topshop in Cabot Circus seems to always have a sale section full of little gems at the moment, so I made a beeline for the messy, mismatched rails full of sequins, tartan and glitter. I vowed that I wouldn't buy anything unless it was an absolute bargain... of course, this bright yellow dress stuck out like an irresistible sore thumb and practically begged me to try it on.

 Having featured it in my Prom Edit, I already had a little crush on it, but when I tried it on that crush turned in to a full blown love affair. We didn't mean to hurt anyone, it just sort of happened...

With a price tag of just £15 as opposed to £45, I happily took it over to the cash register and we were on our way. 

The deep-V neckline is a little scary for me as I don't usually wear such revealing cuts, but my wardrobe definitely needed a pop of colour for Summer seeing as I own a grand total of ten black dresses. When styled with patent sandals and a cute hat, I can imagine myself wearing this to many a barbecue over the next few months, or perhaps when out for a cheeky glass of Pimms with the girls.  

How To: Galaxy Nails

The galaxy trend rocked up on Tumblr back in 2012 in the form of Black Milk leggings, and has lingered ever since. You'd be lying if you said you didn't own at least one galaxy piece, whether it be a dress or a scarf, or perhaps some quirky trainers; we're all guilty! I always favoured galaxy nails, as they're slightly more subtle than some of the things on the market and a really funky alternative to a manicure. 

I always assumed that it would be a difficult technique to conquer, but after watching a few tutorials on the look, I realised that all you need is a little patience and an artistic eye! I've done these nails a few times now and always been complimented on them, my favourite part being that no two designs will look the same so you end up with your own little galaxy on each finger! I hope that this tutorial will inspire you to delve in to the world of galaxy nails too...

Steal Her Style: Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr is one of those celebrities who always looks effortlessly chic. All she has to do is throw on a pair of jeans and a black top and she looks like she's ready to grace the cover of Vogue. Whilst she may be in the media for all the wrong reasons lately due to her divorce from Orlando Bloom, at least she's doing so in style!

 This is such an easy look for anyone to pull off whilst running errands or going to school, and is a perfectly casual way to step in to Spring. On-trend sandals and a bold hat help turn this simple jeans-and-a-t-shirt combo in to a chic little number. 

InstaDiary: Week 21

My Vogue collection // Coca-Cola float // Ring collection // The most amazing cupcakes at Warner Bros. Studios // Cheeky chaps at the garden centre // Triple stacked buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon and syrup // It's no coincidence that my friends both pulled on the night I did their hair // Pimms in Oxford // Real Techniques Core Collection bought with a massive 40% discount from Cohorted. 

KJ xo

Home-spiration

Lately I've found myself lusting after homeware as opposed to fashion and beauty products; take me to the garden centre over Topshop any day! I've got a burning desire inside me to buy a flat and fill it up with gorgeous lamps, beautifully scented candles and cute baking accessories. Of course, that's a little unrealistic financially, so I'm looking towards September when I'll be moving in to university halls and have a complete blank canvas of a room to jazz up.

I am madly in love with this Mathieu Challieres bird cage lamp, it would be the perfect statement piece for an otherwise simply decorated room (unfortunately the price tag makes quite a statement, as well!). I've also followed the crowd and got really in to glass jars lately, they're so simplistic and create a slightly rustic feel, they're also convenient as you can store pretty much anything in them; sugar, tea, milk, cereal, pebbles...

I'm also a stickler for any classic brands, such as Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater; their pieces are so recognisable and make everyone feel at home. Kooky wall art is also a must for me, witty slogans and classic posters add a lot of character to a room.

1. Mathieu Challieres Bird Cage Table Lamp - Liberty, £395 // 2. Large Jar Candle in "Fresh Cut Roses" - Yankee Candle, £19.99 // 3. Small Jar Candle in "Mango Peach Salsa" - Yankee Candle, £7.99 // 4. Glass Milk Bottle - Debenhams, £3 // 5. "Lotus Smoke" Cocktail Glass - Debenhams, £6.75 // 6. Genevieve Side Table - Urban Outfitters, £100 // 7. Teal 12-Piece Dinner Set - Next, £40 // 8. Bird 3 Tier Cake Stand - Cath Kidston, £20 // 9. Retro Coffee Canvas Wall Art - ASDA, £8 // 10. Spider-Man Canvas Print - Disney Store, £14.99 // 11. Glass Jar with Cork Lid - John Lewis, £4 // 12. Neon Orange Wire Candle Holder - Oliver Bonas, £16 // 13. Little Bird Salt and Pepper Pots - Next, £5 // 14. Newgate Covent Garden Alarm Clock - John Lewis, £12 // 15. Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Biscuit Jar - John Lewis, £39.95.

Has this inspired you to update your home decor?
KJ xo

The Magical World of Harry Potter (Warner Bros. Studio Tour)

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Harry Potter sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

I can't even begin to describe how surreal it was to walk down Diagon Alley, stand in front of Privet Drive and gawk at the Philosophers Stone. After seeing the sets play host to some truly epic scenes and the best of British acting on screen, it was any Potterhead's dream to be able to see them up close and discover all the secrets off screen. It was undoubtedly a magical day, which I documented by taking no less than 300 photographs, and am going to share with you whether you like it or not! 

The Oxford Diaries

For the past three days, me and Eloise have been up in Oxford, visiting friends at university, seeing the sights and soaking up the Oxford lifestyle. Being there felt like being a little bubble of quaint streets, grand buildings, lovely people and good food; what more could you ask for?

InstaDiary: Week 20

Tapas // Curls // Quinoa // On the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans // Sewing // OOTD // Homemade pizza // Caviar // Strawberry jam and bagels.

I would be really grateful if you could take a minute to head over to We-Heart-Fashion and vote for me to be their new guest blogger! I'm so excited to have been chosen as a finalist and if I won I would be posting hair tutorials on their blog; one a week, for a month. This is a really cool opportunity that's made me feel all warm and fuzzy, so if you'd like to spread the warmth and vote for me, just follow this link! 
Thank you,
KJ xo

April Favourites

This year May has arrived so abruptly that it's almost rude; I wasn't quite done with April and before I knew it, May was just staring me right in the face. However, the passing of another thirty days brings with it another monthly favourites post, and this month's pretty much consists of a conglomeration of girly fabulousness.

Birthday Haul: Part Two

A few days ago I posted a Haul, sharing with you some of the things I was lucky enough to receive for my birthday. Of course, after every girl's special day there comes a lot of shopping; we have to find somewhere to deposit all those notes that flutter so generously out of cards from long lost relatives, right?!

Maybe purchasing just three items of clothing, a bag, a pair of shoes, a lipstick and a nail varnish doesn't seem that extreme, but I seriously felt like I'd gone rogue as I crept from shop to shop, trying to resist all the gorgeous Summer stock. 

How I Style: Converse Hi Tops

Hi Top Converse are notoriously hard to style, unless you're Tumblr famous and wearing a crisp white pair alongside some Levi cut-offs and a figure hugging crop top. 

For Christmas I received this bright red pair, and it may have taken me a few months, but I've finally figured out all the funkiest ways in which to wear them. When I first unwrapped these bad boys, my inner extrovert who likes to sport holographic flatforms and flamboyant t-shirts was exhilarated by the challenge of working a shoe that's so easy to get wrong. My inner sensible fashionista, however, was not so thrilled at the fact I may unwittingly end up looking like Kristen Stewart on a bad day.

Birthday Haul

On Saturday, I celebrated my 19th birthday; it was probably my most enjoyable birthday to date and I spent way too much time eating cake, leaving no time for me to photograph the celebrations. So, instead of a post all about how I spent my birthday, I decided to share with you some of the things I was lucky enough to receive. I was delighted to find I'd been gifted a couple of things from my birthday wishlist, as well as some lovely, thoughtful surprises. 

InstaDiary: Week 19

Mini Victoria Sponges | Newly purchased rings from H&M | Easter treat from work | The sunset over The Downs | THAT'S ME | Wine and InStyle on a sunny afternoon | The only thing I ever eat for lunch; scrambled eggs on toast | Burger burger | Birthday treats from Eloise. 

KJ xo

How To: Quick and Easy Up-Do

In a few weeks, me and a friend are heading up to Oxford for a few nights to visit a friends who are studying there. Whilst we are there we're going to be attending two formal dinners, which means pretty dresses and fancy food all round! I have been put in charge of styling everyone's hair for the dinners, so I decided it was time to start practising my up-do's. 

Recipe: No Bake Cookies

Lately I've found myself wanting to bake all. the. time.

 There's something about the sun coming out that makes me want to whip up cupcakes and cookies and pavlovas and pies! 

Today, I decided to try out a new recipe; the "No Bake Cookies". Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my all time favourite flavour combinations, and so I was drawn in by the beautiful idea of a quick and easy recipe that results in a whole batch of peanut butter and chocolate flavoured cookies. (Also, oats being the main ingredient means they're a tad healthier than regular cookies, rejoice!)

The process of making the cookies only takes about ten minutes, although they do have to be left in the fridge to cool which can take up to two and a half hours. They're a great option if you need a sugar hit fast, or if you're not quite up to Great British Bake Off standards!

Lovin' Burgers

 Last night, me and my friends decided to dine at a new spot in town; The Love Inn. By day it's a trendy little bar that serves an array of brunch dishes and by night it's a minuscule club that all the hipsters flock to, in order to dance the night away to "fresh beats". By evening, however, it serves a select few burgers and pizzas (and they may just be the best damn burgers I've ever had!). 

They menu is not hugely extensive, with just seven burgers, five pizzas and two desserts on offer. Nevertheless, the flavour combinations available are quite original and a refreshing change from the usual hamburger/chicken burger/veggie burger. It was a tough choice between The Cheeseburger Deluxe, The Bacon Swiss and The Chicken Caesar, made only tougher when I realised there was a Rosemary Chicken and a Spinach and Ricotta pizza on the other side of the menu.
After placing our orders, I was reassured that it would be acceptable to snap a few photos because it's an "arty place" where "people do that sort of thing", so off I went...

The Prom Edit

I love prom. In fact, I love the run up to prom more than prom itself. There's nothing quite like the rush of trying on hundreds of dresses before the feeling of infatuation when you find the perfect one; choosing the perfect heels and accessories, deciding how to wear your hair and make-up and spending way too much money are all part of becoming a woman and ensuring the perfect prom experience. 

Of course, I don't have a prom to go to this year but I couldn't resist putting together a few looks that I would have considered rocking if I did have one to attend.

To me, a classic prom dress is either a floaty maxi or a short poofy number. Zara has some beautiful maxis at the moment; this blue one can be dressed up for prom and then worn with flats on a Summer's evening, because let's be honest if you can get more than one wear out of your prom dress then everyone's winning. This tfnc London dress is pretty swanky and fit for a masked ball; paired with black and gold accessories it would be a perfectly elegant number for prom.

100 Followers Giveaway

When I reached 100 followers, I decided to celebrate by hosting my first giveaway. I pondered what to have as a prize, and eventually came to the conclusion that a handful of Barry M nail varnishes would do nicely seeing as we all have a communal love for them. 

InstaDiary: Week 18

OOTD: Vintage shirt and Topshop jeans // Fishtail braiding // OOTD: Vintage jumper and jeans // A big ball of Reese's heaven // Leo // Thai food with the girls // Dress shopping for my trip to Oxford // Amazing heels that I don't need // OOTD: SheInside coat and t-shirt, Topshop skirt.

KJ xo

Perfect Pastels

'Tis the season for pastels and ice cream and all things light and fluffy.

As Spring is slowly approaching, I've decided it's time to stop wearing leggings and oversized jumpers and start looking a little more ladylike. To inspire me, I put together this little mood board of pastel pieces that would be perfect for the upcoming season.

 Jelly shoes are making a bigger comeback than Britney and are definitely this season's number one must have; these coral ones are perfect for the warmer weather! This Zara coat is perfectly chic and makes me want to roam the streets of Paris or take a stroll through Central Park, although I supposed I'd settle for just wearing it to the pub. Coloured denim is great for Spring, and these Topshop shorts are a great alternative to a pear of Levi's for a slightly sweeter look. Of course, no outfit would be complete with a slick of red lipstick so I've included a Barry M Lip Lacquer in the shade "Mandarin" to spice things up a bit. 

1. Jacquard Top - Zara, £25.99 // 2. MOTO Mom Shorts - Topshop, £30 // 3. Patent Block Heel - New Look, £19.99 // 4. Barry M Nail Paint in "Strawberry Ice Cream" - Barry M, £2.99 // 5. Barry M Lip Lacquer Crayon in "Mandarin" - Barry M, £4.99 // 6. Seamed Textured Tunic - Topshop, £46 // 7. Coral Jelly Sandals - New Look, £9.99 // 8. Barry M Nail Paint in "Peach Melba" - Barry M, £2.99 // 8. Structured Coat - Zara, £89.99 // 10. Turnlock Satchel - Topshop, £28.

Just a reminder that as of tomorrow afternoon, I will be changing my URL to "www.agirlbloggingabout.blogspot.com", but it'll still just be little old me writing all the same posts!

KJ xo

SheInside Haul // My SheInside Experience

About two and a half weeks ago, I made my first SheInside purchases. I was pretty nervous about ordering from them as I had read a lot of negative reviews citing poor quality products, orders not arriving and their customer service team being unresponsive. However, seeing as I managed to pick up a t-shirt, dress and coat for around £40 I decided to risk it. I'll leave a full review of my experience with SheInside at the end of this post, for those of you who are considering ordering from them. 

The first thing I added to my cart was this (fake, obviously) Acne Studios t-shirt. I'm a bit snobby when it comes to fake designer shoes or watches, but one teensy tiny fake t-shirt is acceptable, isn't it? Apart from being terribly creased when it arrived, the quality of this t-shirt isn't too shabby. The cotton is quite thin, and not the soft sort that you get with Topshop or H&M t-shirts, but the sizing is nice and the stitching looks fine. 

100 Followers/URL Change

First of all I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has followed me as I've just passed 100 followers on Bloglovin, which may not seem like a huge milestone to some, but for me it's extremely exciting! When I set up my blog I couldn't imagine how I'd even gain 10 readers and now there's 100 of you, which is crazy to me and also makes me excited for expanding my blog further and hopefully reaching more milestones in the future. I'd particularly like to say thank you to Jes from NaturallyJes for always leaving lovely comments and feedback on my posts!

I decided that when I reached 100 followers I would do some sort of giveaway, so I'll be going ahead with that sometime next week; make sure to keep your eyes peeled! 

When I started my blog I chose the URL www.kathjam.blogspot.com as I've spent my whole life watching people struggle to spell my full name, and wanted my URL to be easy to remember and spell. However, lately I've found myself wanting to change it as I don't think "kathjam" is as catchy or memorable as I would like. Seeing as the tagline for my blog is "A girl blogging about a little bit of everything", I'm hoping to change my URL to www.agirlbloggingabout.blogspot.com . I'll hopefully be doing this next week as well, it's just a bit more of a complicated process than I thought, and I want to ensure that the URL really fits my blog as I don't want to have to change it again (hopefully it will still be available when I come to change it!).

So, thank you for following and all your lovely comments; I will keep you updated as to when I'm doing the giveaway and when/what I am chaging my URL to!

KJ xo

Umberto Giannini Painted Lady Talons - Nail Wrap Review

I have been wanting to test out a set of nail wraps for ages now; there's something very appealing about being able to just stick a pattern on your nail with the promise of it lasting for a whole week, especially when you're as lazy as me. However they can be pretty pricey and I wasn't ready to drop £10 on a product that may or may not work for me. Whilst making an enthralling purchase of sixty hair grips in Boots the other day, I saw these Umberto Giannini nail wraps in the clearance bin for just £2 and I couldn't resist giving them a go.

 Umberto Giannini Painted Lady Talons in "Green Python" - Boots, £5.00

Birthday Wishlist

As I've spent the whole day in bed wallowing in self pity due to the fact I've contracted the flu, I decided that the only thing that could cheer me up would be a spot of online shopping. However, I simultaneously realised that everything I want it rather expensive and my birthday is just round the corner, and decided it would be more productive to make a birthday list.  

Slowly but surely, Converse have become the only shoes that I wear and I've been wanting a new pair to add to my collection for a while. As soon as I laid eyes on this sequinned pair, I knew that we were going to end up together; love at first sight, if you will. At the other end of the spectrum, I do want a pair of smarter shoes because I do occasionally venture to places where Converse aren't appropriate. These tassled loafers from Topshop are perfect for smartening up dresses and jeans!

I may have naturally curly hair, but I often crave smoother, more even curls because the dragged-backwards-through-a-hedge look doesn't always work for me. This Babyliss wand has a nice thick barrel, perfect for creating loose curls and waves!

Seeing as I'm turning 19, I think it's about time I owned a proper bag. You know, not a rucksack or a Primark handbag. Zara has the best bags, and I'd happily carry my junk around in any one of them, but this bowler bag is practical, sophisticated and the perfect size for day to day use. 

I'm on a mission to own all of my favourite TV shows on DVD, and having culminated a nice collection of Gossip Girl DVDs, it's time to move on to the second best show on the planet; Pretty Little Liars. 

I've always struggled to find a mascara that leaves my lashes looking long and lustrous, and have come to the conclusion that maybe a slightly more expensive product would do the job. These Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent ones have rave reviews! I'd also like another Chanel polish to add to the collection, and "Holiday" is the perfect shade for summer.

Last but not least, macarons. I only know of two bakery's in Bristol that sell them, but have scoured the internet and found a couple of reasonably priced websites that do home delivery! Of course, it would be preferable to receive a trip to Paris for my birthday and buy my own from Ladurée... A girl can dream, huh?

1. Converse All Star Multi Sequin - Office, £59.99 // 2. Laverne Tassle Loafers - Topshop, £32 // 3. Babyliss Boutique Loose Waves Curling Tong - Tesco, £19.50 // 4. Bowling Bag - Zara, £19.99// 5. Pretty Little Liars DVD box-set - Amazon, £29.95 // 6. Sublime De Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara - Boots, £24 // 7. Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Mascara - Boots, £24.50 // 8. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in "Holiday" - Boots, £17.50 // 9. Macarons (Box of 6) - Bettys, £8.

KJ xo

Paella and Pudding

Last night, me and the girls headed over to my friend Alex's house to celebrate her birthday with what promised to be a glorious feast prepared by her mother, the original hostess with the mostess. Alex's birthday usually consists of frozen margaritas, a variety of salads and breads, posh meats and macarons. I was therefore extremely eager to see what was on offer this year and it's safe to say I was not disappointed. 

March Favourites 2014

This month I've discovered some new beauty products (and re-discovered some old ones!), and so decided to do a little "favourites" post. I'm not exactly an old hand at these types of posts, so you'll have to bear with me as I'm yet to learn about "favourites" posts etiquette.  

First up is Rimmel's Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer (Boots, £5.99). Before now, I'd been using Rimmel's Wake Me Up Concealer, but I've found this one blends in to my skin a lot easier and gives a much dewier, even finish. If you're looking for a new concealer, I would definitely recommend the Match Perfection range over the Wake Me Up range, as the products give my skin a really healthy glow.

Steal Her Style: Kylie Jenner

Over the past year, Kylie Jenner has been everywhere; you can't pick up a magazine without seeing her face, or more importantly, her latest outfit. She has steadily been branching out from the rest of the Kardashian clan's style and has now really come in to her own. From tailored jumpsuits and heels to denim cut-off's and Dr. Martens, she can go from sleek and sophisticated to grunge queen in the blink of an eye. Whilst her statement Céline bag and Fendi key-chain might be a little pricey for us commoners, she can style a plain white t-shirt in a million different ways, which is something we can all afford to do!

If there's one thing Kylie does well, it's denim. More often than not she's papped sporting one of her many pairs of denim shorts and biker boots; teamed with a white crop top and a chic handbag, she looks as if she's walked right off of every teenage girl's Tumblr dashboard. 

InstaDiary: Week 17

The £2.95 I have saved up in coppers over the last 5 months // Mine, Jim and Isy's productive afternoon // OOTD featuring my Glastonbury 2011 t-shirt // Probably the only selfie I have ever/will ever post on Instagram // So obvious yet so true // Me and my besties before they left for Asia // OOTD - Primark daisy print dress // My home made oatmeal cookies // Quiz night at The Flyer.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: KathrynJamshidi !

KJ xo

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Review

A few months back, I got a 15ml sample tube of Elemis' Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm (try saying that five times, fast!) free with a copy of Cosmo. Like most sample products, I tried it once and then tossed it in to the place where make-up products go to die; the bottom drawer.

Having suffered from dull skin lately, I decided to dig this little gem back out and applied it slightly more liberally. To my delight, it worked wonders. In all honesty, I had never heard of Elemis before sampling this product, and after looking at their retail prices (£32 for a full sized tube of this Flash Balm) I realised that they weren't quite within my price range. I researched the brand a little further and whilst I find the design of their webpage rather offensive, they claim to be "the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand", which isn't too shabby for KJ. 

Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking.

After doing a post on Primark's Spring/Summer 2014 collection, I couldn't resist popping in to my local store the other day for a very quick look around. I barely got to investigate any of their new collection properly, but this daisy print swing dress caught my eye and so I had to purchase it. Not having had time to try it on, I was delighted to get home and find that it fitted perfectly and was nice and comfy. We've had two or three sunny days over the past few weeks, and even though the golden rays were accompanied by fierce winds, it was the perfect time to début my new frock. 

Bristol's Beauty Spot

Today I had absolutely no motivation to do anything other than lie in bed, watching Gossip Girl and eating home made cookies. However, I knew that if I didn't get up and do something, then by the time evening rolled around my DVD's would be finished, the sugar rush would've worn off and I'd be feeling pretty down. So like a crack addict taking their final hit, I devoured one final gooey little piece of heaven, grabbed my camera and headed out to one of Bristol's best known beauty spots. 

A Day in the Life #1

Some days, I have lots of fun plans that I want to photograph and share with you guys but I never seem to get round to actually documenting them. Of course when I say "fun" I generally mean eating nice food and seeing friends, not shopping for designer dresses or going to the spa. I think the reason I tend not to photograph these moments is because people seem to get rather intimidated whenever I whack out my SLR camera (even I can admit it does sometimes ruin the mood when I'm darting around with a gargantuan camera, trying to get a good shot of someone's meal before I allow them to eat it!). I have realised, however, that people seem to find it a lot less offensive when I want to photograph them on my iPhone as we go about our day to day activities. So, yesterday I got a little bit snap-happy and decided to put together my first "A Day in the Life" post. I don't usually like to post photos on here that weren't taken on my SLR as I'm a stickler for quality, so I'm hoping that my readers aren't as anal as me when it comes to aperture and ISO numbers!

I started the day off by hitting the gym bright and early (11am!!) in my new H&M workout gear. I always find it easier to get motivated to exercise if I know that I'm going to be seeing my friends after. 

Statement Nail Art Tutorial

I can't remember the last time I didn't have a sleek layer of polish on my finger tips, so today I decided to try something a little bit different whilst painting them. I'm a huge fan of statement nails; having a contrasting design or colour on one nail is a great way to make a manicure stand out. So, I decided to try a little bit of DIY nail art, using two of my favourite polishes and a bit of sticky tape. I went for a simple black and gold design, as I wanted something chic and glossy looking. I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out, and now that I'm feeling a little braver I'm definitely going to try some funkier patterns! Remember, I am most definitely not a nail/beauty expert, I just like to experiment with things and share them on here when they work out... I mean, I've been working on this tutorial for weeks with all my super professional products and am now pleased to share it with you.

 You will need: Scissors // Sellotape // Top coat // Two nail varnishes that work well together.

Primark Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

I've never been a huge advocate of Primark; I pick up a few of my basics there, and I am a fan of their bags, but it's not a shop that I tend to visit regularly. I'm not being a snob when I say that, it just seems that I'll spot something nice in the window which then takes me about an hour to find in the store, as you have to navigate your way around a multitude of t-shirts with trashy slogans on and tacky push up bras. More often than not, I then discover that it's actually made out of a really uncomfortable material or is a lot less flattering on my body than the hanger.

I was therefore surprised when my friend sent me a link to Primark's Spring/Summer 2014 collection and I found myself lusting after the vast majority of it. Whilst their notoriously cheap prices have increased slightly so that they are now almost on par with high street brands such as H&M and New Look, their increase in the style stakes is much bigger, making their new collection worth the few extra pennies.

Tailored jumpsuits and fitted asymmetrical skirts alongside chic dresses and classic heels make up one half of the collection, whilst summery shorts, floral prints and funky accessories make up the other half. A subtle nod towards Burberry's "The Petal" bag and seemingly taking inspiration from Matthew Williamson's LFW show make this collection a step above all those previous to it. 

 I've chosen my favourite pieces for you to browse (unfortunately Primark does not yet have online shopping so I can't include links but you can view the collection here). I intend to pop in to my local store soon so that I can try some of these pieces on, so you can expect a haul post soon!

InstaDiary: Week 16

Purdy kitty | Jordans Country Crisp; the best snack ever | Using my only talent (sticking photos on bedroom walls) to help Joe brighten up his room | My two favourite boys | Rocking the Rae Earl look | My favourite snap from the film I got developed | Snazzy hot chocolate at the Cider Press | Realising how much hair I actually have when I tried out a Katniss Everdeen style braid and saw how gigantic it was | Pancakes galore.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: KathrynJamshidi !

KJ xo

February Food Favourites

Since the start of the new year, I have had a bit of a lifestyle change; I go to the gym 4-5 times a week and I've completely changed my diet. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love burgers and crisps and all things sweet (as is evident from some of my recent posts), but for the most part I'm making healthier and more wholesome choices.

I've been experimenting with lots of new foods and have now got a ton of new favourites! Anyone who knows me will know that this is a massive step for me, as I was about 16 when I tried my first carrot (and promptly spat it back out). So, I wanted to share some of my new favourite foods with you partially because I just love food and also to give you some ideas for new snacks. For the sake of alliteration, let's pretend this is a slightly belated post that I intended to put up at the end of February! 

I fell in love with Yeo Valley yoghurt at Glastonbury in 2011, where they had their own stall set up from which they sold frozen 450g tubs for £1 each. Given that England was basking in one of the sweatiest heat waves I have ever experienced at the time, this cheap treat was an absolute God-send. I probably go through a tub of this every 2-3 days, dishing it up with grapes, strawberries, blueberries and banana. It's the perfect way to wake me up in the morning, and means I've had 4 of my 5-a-day before I've even got out of bed!

 Yeo Valley Strawberry Yoghurt - £1.60

Pancakes, Please

Today me and Joe had a slightly belated Pancake Day and of course, I couldn't resist whipping out my camera and snapping a few shots of our sweet treats in the hope of capturing at least one truly worthy of the "foodporn" hashtag.

Steal Her Style: Blake Lively

Having being cursed with writers block lately, I was delighted to open my emails yesterday to find that Paul Fredrick had contacted me suggesting I put together a "Steal Their Style" post. Before I had even read the email in full, the words "Leonardo" and "DiCaprio" practically jumped off the screen at me, leading me to their own "Steal His Style" post. Whilst he may have lost out again at the Oscars this week, their post proves he's certainly winning in the style stakes (Warning: Click on the link at your own risk, it contains serious eye candy). 

If you know me in the slightest then you'll be aware that I have a totally normal and healthy interest in the TV show Gossip Girl. It therefore only took me a split second to decide that I would be doing my post on Blake Lively (Or Serena Van Der Woodsen, as you may know her). I spent a good few hours choosing my favourite Blake/Serena looks, and trawling through the entire British high street to find affordable alternatives. Unfortunately it seems Topshop doesn't yet stock Blake's hottest accessory; Ryan Reynolds, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. 

The first look I chose to recreate is quite a dressy one. A bold skirt and cropped statement jacket paired with a nude heel is the perfect combination for drinks with the girls, or a big work or social event. This is the kind of look I'd like to imagine I'm brave enough to pull off, even if I don't have anywhere to wear it!

Putting a Spring in my Step

What with Spring just around the corner and the sun making a few more appearances, I've slowly been transitioning from my cosy (sloppy) Winter outfits to my much more feminine Spring wardrobe. Whilst doing so, I realised that I basically don't have any Spring shoes; I own a lot of Converse and flatform trainers, and whilst there's nothing wrong with rocking the Lily Allen look once in a while, I decided I need to invest in something more... Spring-y. 

So, I hit up all my favourite shops and put together a little list of Spring appropriate footwear that I would like to purchase. I've always been a fan of loafers, but am yet to actually bite the bullet and invest in a pair. These Topshop ones are adorable, and I wouldn't mind the challenge of trying to figure out how to style such a bold colour. The H&M sandals are a great staple shoe, as they can be worn with dresses and skirts, or with boyfriend jeans for a more casual look. Whilst they're a bit pricey for a less than practical shoe, I couldn't help adding these Urban Outfitters roller-blades to the list. I think we can all agree that they are very cute and we wouldn't mind having a go on them, sort of like the Chace Crawford of shoes. I also added some ASOS plimsolls and jelly shoes to the list, as they were both nice and summery and are more casual than the others. Let's be honest; I can dream about wearing chic, sophisticated shoes, but at the end of the day comfort always comes first!

1. KIKI Suede Tassel Loafers - Topshop, £42 // 2. Sandals - H&M, £24.99 // 3. Rookie Bella Rollerskates - Urban Outfitters, £70 // 4. Dockland Plimsolls - ASOS, £18 // 5. Jelly Sandals - Topshop, £20.

Have you started experimenting with your Spring wardrobe yet?
KJ xo

Cardiff in 24 Hours

Back in November, I bought me and Joe tickets to see Russell Howard's Wonderbox tour in Cardiff. February seemed to roll around pretty quickly and yesterday we found ourselves hopping on a train and whizzing off to the Welsh capital. Seeing as it's less than an hours train ride from Bristol, I'm now questioning why I haven't visited Cardiff before because the shopping there is AH-MA-ZING. They have gargantuan versions of pretty much every shop I've ever heard of, and lots of little boutiques too. Unfortunately we were only there for 24 hours and I had already scheduled in one too many things for us to do, so a shopping spree was not on the cards (Although I did manage to sneak in to H&M and pick up a cute jacket before our train left this morning, but more about that in another post).

About six weeks ago I put together a rather informative spreadsheet detailing all the hotels in the city centre, and presented it to Joe who of course glanced at it, grunted, and picked the one at the top of the list. We therefore ended up staying in a deluxe suite at The Royal Hotel. It didn't come cheap but we got a king sized bed, 50" TV, a bathtub (very exciting for me), wine, hot chocolate, cookies, fluffy white bathrobes and a great location. The whole "hotel" thing was fairly new to me, seeing as the only hotel experience I've had in the past is cramming my whole family in to a room at Travelodge. So, to me, this place seemed prettyyyy luxurious (the staff were super friendly and helpful too, and it was all clean and fresh and whatnot).

InstaDiary: Week 15

Elderflower and Prosecco cocktails // My first bath in 18 months // Besties // Hot dog with mac and truffle cheese sauce // Barry M matte black nail polish // Rose from my Valentine // Me and Joe pushing the boat out for brunch // New highlights // Tea and Rummy.

KJ xo

H&M Sportswear: Review

 Since I joined the gym about six or seven weeks ago, I've been working out in an old, loose pair of jersey shorts, an M&S sports bra and an oversized Bristol Half Marathon t-shirt that I got given for free at a DofE tent-putting-up competition a few years back. Seeing as I've been exercising four to five days a week, it's not really ideal for me to only have one outfit to get all hot and sweaty in (Honestly, at the end of a session I look like a tomato that's been put through it's paces). So, I finally got round to hitting up H&M and purchasing a whole new set of workout gear; I put together this sassy little combo which came to just under £30 all together, not too shabby if you ask me! 

A Week on the Farm

Every February my boyfriend's family takes a trip down to Cornwall to spend a week on Tredethick Farm. Having gone with them last year and fallen completely and utterly in love with it, I was super excited to have the pleasure of returning this year (and this time snap a lot of photos!). 

The odds were stacked against us what with the recent storms and floods, but on Saturday at the crack of dawn, we packed up the car and braved the two hour journey down to the little Cornish farm. Fully kitted out in my wellies, dungarees and checked shirt, I breathed in the fresh smell of manure and felt a sense of relaxation that you just don't get in a city like Bristol. Ok, so the sense of relaxation may have had something to do with the cosy cottages, hot tub and swimming pool, but I definitely realised that maybe I'm more of a country girl... if the countryside had a Topshop.

I had the loveliest few days feeding lambs, star-gazing from the hot tub and indulging in too much pasta and wine. I also took my Canon everywhere with me, determined not to miss a good shot, and ended up with hundreds of photos to sift through when I got home. Of course, it's easy to take beautiful photos when you're in such a beautiful location, but I wanted to share some of my favourites on here.

The farm is made up of nine beautiful cottages, and we were staying in Granary, one of the biggest. It had a cosy log fire, beautiful stone walls and complimentary scones... pure bliss.