what's inside my bag

I think the majority of women love to see what is in another womens bag. So this is what is in my work bag. My bag at the movement rotates between the Longchamp Le Pilage Large Shoulder bag in Camel and the Louis Vuitton Neverfull in GM. For looks the Neverfull is the one but for practicality it has to be the Le Pilage. Its brilliant for work. I never knew why these nylon bags were so popular but I know now.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Damier Ebene GM

Longchamp Le Pilage in Camel

 

 

 

 

Cath Kidston Umbrella- I live in England it always rains.

 

Moleskin The Little Prince Diary- For those dates and appointments.

 

Reusable Shopper- Always comes in handy and is more sustainable

 

Louis Vuitton Brazza Wallet- It is actually a mens wallet but

much slimmer than the Womens range of large purses. I love it and highly recommend it. Mine is the plain brown leather inside but it now comes in a coloured interior, more details here.

 

Tissues- why not

 

Camera- In a padded fabric case from Etsy. Perfect size

 

Liberty Pouch- contains the essentials, i.e hand cream, make up, paracetamol, plasters, fresh wipes.

 

Leather Mimi Pouch- keys, inhaler and usb stick 

saltwater sandals

If there is one thing that I wear a lot in the Summer it is my saltwater sandals.I was first made aware of them during the Indie days of my twenties when I saw Alexa Chung wearing a pair.

I just thought they were simple, chic and comfortable. So I looked into it.

I found that, back then, they were not available in the UK so I ordered them directly from the USA from  here.  I also took advantage of any friends and relatives going to the USA to bring me back pairs. Now they are now available from Toast but I think the price is too expensive.

I have these in tan and black and I love them. Below is a staple Summer outfit for me.

French Connection white cotton tunic

focaccia

I love baking it's not a secret but I never bake savoury, always sweet.  So I decided to bake some bread and the first attempt was focaccia with rosemary and sea salt.

I think it turned out alright :)

I used this recipe.

running free

Since December I have been on a health kick. In the Winter I always put on weight. A combination of craving more carbs to keep warm in the colder months and the lack of will to trek to the gym in the dark after work it is always inevitable for me. This is counteracted by the Summer when lighter food is the preferred option and the warmer climes are perfect for running. So by the end of each year I maintain the same weight.

This year there is also the added momentum to lose weight for the wedding. As I tell the OH the wedding lasts for the day but the photos last a life time!

I will try to go running at least 3 times a week and a long swim once a week.

I have also cut fat and sugar from my diet. It was hard at first but after 3 weeks it has been quite easy to maintain this switch in diet. I obviously have the odd treat here and there. The key is moderation.

The weather this week has been mild and I have taken advantage. This week so far I have run 15 km.

I have also bought some new kit in the sales to help me along.

Adidas Climacool Runnig Tights

Nike Free Run trainers

Panache sports bra to reduce bounce!

I love Scotland

I have just got back from a 4 day break in Scotland. I went to University in Edinburgh and worked there too after graduation before finally settling in London. I therefore think for an Englishwoman I know Scotland quite well. I have travelled to many places in Scotland over the years and the place is very dear to my heart. I have been very lucky in my life so far to have travelled to many places including Mongolia, Mexico, India, Nepal to New Zealand but for me the many landscapes of Scotland are the most breathtaking. I try to go back to Scotland as often as I can and this weekend I travelled to the Isle of Islay on the Western Isles. It began with a early morning flight from London to Glasgow, a 3 hour drive to Kennacraig and then a 2 hour 20 minuteferry crossing. The OH is a whisky lover so we visited some distilleries too. Here are a few snaps of our trip.I cannot wait to go back.

Loch Lomand from Luss

Loch Fyne

The ferry

Salmon three ways at the Port Charlotte Hotel, Isle of Islay

View from our room at our guesthouse

Our guesthouse, Loch Gorm House, Islay

The Sound of Jura

Islay

Sunset at Bowmore