Monday 26 January 2015

Capturing the moment#1

I have been wanting a DSLR for around 4 Christmas' now. And on the 25th December last year(!) this dream came true.

As I get to grips with such a great gadget, I thought I would document my progress by showcasing my most recent photos once and a while. I was originally planning on doing this once a month but obviously the amount of photos I take will vary from month to month, so I didn't think this was consistent enough.

Here are a few of my faveourite shots since receiving my camera:

This was the first ever picture taken, a simple bokeh of my Christmas tree. It gives me such a warm feeling.

One crisp morning in December, I was playing around with what I could capture outside. We have an old shed in our garden that is falling over and provides a home for many a creature. I like the fine lines of the cobweb and the reflections caught in the web and around it.


Again with reflections, I love how each bubble has the reflection of another within it. I shot this just after drawing myself a bath with a Mango bath melt from Lush.




I absolutely love these three pictures for all different reasons. I feel they portray lots of emotions and have really captured Saffron's personality. I am especially proud of the one were she is looking directly into the camera. Although not so cute, It was timed just right!


Who doesn't love a cat paw?

What have you photographed this month?

Abbie
x

Friday 9 January 2015

Expensive Trainers- Are they worth it?

















With the new year just beginning, many people are vowing to start exercising and go on a health kick. Some may have toyed with the idea of buying themselves a new pair of shiny new, expensive trainers but turned it down due to exactly that- the expense.

And It's the question that SO many people ask. Because, let's be honest, you don't understand the benefits and downfalls until you have experienced all different brands of trainers- within all different price ranges.

 I have been playing netball for around six years and have had all trainers imaginable but it's safe to say I would pay that little extra for quality ANY DAY.  However, I really do not think this is necessary if you are just starting running etc for the first time. It is much better to work your way up and find what is best for you according to how much you run, where you run etc.

But even still, If you are considering buying expensive, branded trainers (such as Asics) I thought I would tell you a bit about my personal experience with such trainers.

Pictured above is a comparison between my last pair of Asics and my current ones I received for Christmas, As you can see they were TRULY loved and thus battered. Over a period of around 6 months they went from pristine to falling apart. However, they were being used AT LEAST 5 times a week so obviously, depending on your fitness routine, your trainers will wear at a rate parallel to that.







Following that, here is the difference in grip. Believe it or not, my old trainers once had such grip. I knew it was time for a change when I could feel the gravel on the courts and was slipping around all over the place!

On thing I particularly love about these trainers (and what many high end trainers have in common) is the gel layer in the sole. This extra layer makes these trainers extremely comfortable to wear and obviously this is a huge factor to consider when buying something you will be using lots. Great trainers will take you great places.




















Lots of places sell high end brands such as Asics and I can't stress enough over the fact that you DO NOT need to buy them directly from the brands website/ store. You can often get a much better deal if you look else where- gym shops, ebay, high street shops etc.

So, it turns out I can talk an awful lot about trainers. And I didn't even go into the excitement I felt unwrapping these.

What is your opinion on expensive trainers?

Abbie
x

You can find my particular trainers here.

Friday 2 January 2015

Alexa Chung- It



I was lent this book on the premise that I read it I would fall in love with her. And I did.


If I am completely honest, I had heard of Alexa Chung in the past, for a start she's all over Tumblr- but I'd never really idolised her in any way or thought of her as a particular fashion icon. Until I read this book.

This girl finds fashion inspiration everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. Each page or so introduces a different one of her fashion icons, usually paired with an interesting and unique story. Put this along side her quips of wisdom and great photography and you have got a truly awe-inspiring book.


Pictured above are some of my faveourite photo bits and bobs.

I particularly liked how down to earth she appears, starting modelling at the age of 16 is no easy feat. That, and the fact she has dated the likes of Alex Turner and many other lead singers, if anyone- she has the right to brag. But no, she just delivers a great book with countless fashion advice and good humour.


The one downfall of this book is that it wasn't long enough! It only took me around 1 and a half hours to finish and I would have loved to read on. Of course, there is only so much that can be written without it becoming tiresome but Alexa Chung definitely quit while she was ahead- I would have loved another 200ish pages. However, this book is great for those short train journeys or just to dip into now and then to feel inspired.

Overall, this book is a must have for all fashion and beauty lovers. I am ever so sad to have to return it to it's rightful owner but will no doubt be purchasing a copy for myself.

Alexa Chung- can I be you please?

Have you read this? What did you think?

Abbie
x

p.s I would love to do some in depth book reviews this year, what do you think?