Début

On Tuesday my girlfriend and I went to a dance school in central London and took our very first ballet class together, something that my husband has encouraging me to do for a few weeks now. Throughout the morning before I researched blogs of new adult dancers, trying to make myself feel a little bit less nervous. 

After rushing from work (the kind of rushing where I forgot my engagement ring at work after I took it off to do the washing up), I waited for the class to start outside the studio. I overheard some dancers, who wearing tights and proper leotards and looking very intimidating, talking about how they formerly dancer professionally, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was in the wrong place, even though it was the Adult Absolute Beginners class. 

Once all 40 odd of us were allowed in and scurried to choose our places at the barre, I knew it was going to be okay when the teacher asked who was trying ballet for the first time. My friend and I raised our hands, and even though he separated us so we were in between more experienced students he did it with a joke that put us at ease. 

I've historically had loads of issues with my feet (probably not helped by two bunion surgeries at age 21 and 24), and my toes cramp on their own a lot. So I really struggled with the barre exercises because of my toes cramping and wanting to stay curled up in a point when I was supposed to be extending and 'sweeping' the floor during tendus. 

It was immensely fun, and one of the most difficult things I've ever tried.That made me love it more - I have a history of getting extremely bored and dropping activities that come easily to me, especially as a child (hello tennis, gymnastics, and guitar). 

I loved the french words for everything - tendus, plies and demi-plies, ronde de jambes. I loved the feeling of accomplishing a releve on demi point without the barre and holding it for a few moments - a tiny victory. 

I can't wait to go back and am going to make a huge effort to go at least two out of the three times its offered per week. 

Ballet and Puppies

Could there be any combination better than ballet and puppies? Coming across these photos warmed my heart!  Buzzfeed posted these beautiful pictures of little puppy Gaston at The City Ballet of San Diego.

See them all here. 

Love Letter: Covert Accessories

Lucky duck that I am, I received an iPad mini for my birthday this past January. I was supremely excited not just because of my love for all things Apple in general, but it also meant that I could buy a snazzy case for it because I'm a massive accessories junkie.I like the challenge of finding perfect accessories due to being frugal and picky about both design and function. 

After several lunch hours devoted to the search, I finally came across Covert Accessories. Not only were they stylish and came in several different designs, but they were actually functional. And wouldn't break my bank.

Look at how gorgeous these are! 

Covert - Varsity iPad mini case

Covert - Calvary iPad Mini case

I couldn't resit their Calvary iPad Mini case because of it's versatility, stylish looks and wonderful price. I've used it on long train journeys to watch films and enjoyed the integrated stand feature, and haven't thought twice about throwing it in my crammed and messy bag daily because I know it will protect my iPad. Plus the wooly texture of the case with the leather accents are plain old gorgeous. My husband is even jealous of my case. 

Kensington Winter Walks

I went for a stroll on my day off last week with my camera, something I haven't done in ages. It was a really grey and dismal day, but I think it really added to the moodiness of lovely Kensington and Hyde Park.

To see all of the pictures I took that day, click here.

Cold and flu season strikes again!

I've finally been struck down with a cold for the first time since September. I went out and immediately bought a load of goodies from Holland and Barrett, but I feel like I may have gone a bit overboard!

What are the best cold remedies that work for you?

Matthew and the Atlas - new music video for single 'Pale Sun Rose'

One of my favorite bands, Matthew and the Atlas, have released the video for their new single off their forthcoming full length album. Give it a play below!

Matthew and the Atlas are a band I've been following for a few years, since coming across a YouTube video of them performing in 2010 at London local spot The Lexington (incidentally, the same bar I also met my now husband at in 2011).

So far I haven't been lucky enough to see them live, despite attempting to see them open up for The Civil Wars in 2012 at their Manchester date and missing their set due to traffic. However, I did snag one of their EPs at the merch table that night and got a chance to speak to front man Matthew Hegarty.

However discouraging that may be, their new video is absolutely stunning and features Charlie Cox from Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire. I love the new direction the sound has taken. Previously they relied on a more traditional Americana sound, but now they've added layers of depth by using subtle electronic tones while still maintaining the twangy folk feel. It makes for one hauntingly gorgeous track. I am beyond excited to get my hands on their first full length album, which is due out in May. Fingers crossed I finally get to see and shoot them at their sold out London date in the Lexington in February.

Also, how beautiful is their limited edition 'Rose' vinyl single? You can pre-order it here. 

New Year, new diary.

Nothing says "Happy New Year!" like busting out a brand spanking new diary. I've been a die-hard moleskin diary fan for years, but this year decided to make a change in favor of a more colorful route. A weekly planner, every week has a quote or song lyric accompanied by amazing photography. I've already started jotting dates down it it. My husband would accuse me of being super boring, but I think it's okay to nerd out and get excited by the little things. Once a back to school supplies nerd, always a back to school supplies nerd.