The Sunday Review

The first day of March today marks the beginning of spring time for me - I'm so glad that my walks to and from work can now be done in daylight! Today also marks seven weeks until the big Disneyworld holiday of a lifetime and I'm getting increasingly excited. Here's what I've been up to this week...

I have been reading...Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse. Hailed as the new 'Gone Girl' (just like every other thriller written in the last few years), I had high hopes for this book. While it was enthralling at the beginning, the ending was a little disappointing and predictable. 

I have been listening to... Florence and the Machine. With her new single 'What Kind of Man' played on the airwaves this week, I've been getting increasingly excited about the new album coming out in the Summer. If the new release is anything to go by, it sounds like its going to take on a bit more of a rocky feel - perfect for festivals!

I have been watching...Cucumber. Seriously, if you haven't caught up with this brilliant Channel 4 drama, get yourself on 4OD and start watching. Based around the gay scene in Manchester, it focuses on a man having a mid-life crisis and the things that go on around him. This week's episode was truly haunting and well worth a watch.

I have been....running. Again. This week I'm a little proud that I managed to run five miles in 50 minutes and I'm hoping to make my way to six miles next week - doubling the amount that I usually do. I'm currently in training for the Cancer Research Pretty Muddy race in July - my Justgiving page is here if you fancy donating a few pennies! 

Wishing you all a wonderfully lazy Sunday. I'll be on the sofa with a pile of magazines and a large coffee.

The Sunday Review

Running, reading, writing, going to the gym, driving lessons - I feel so much more productive when I'm not at work! It has been relaxing having the last week off from work, catching up on my sleep and putting some miles in on the treadmill. I'm back to work tomorrow - let's hope this new-found motivation continues! Here's what I've been up to this week...

I have been reading...Us by David Nicholls. Despite only being a quarter of the way through, I'm already in love with this novel. A huge fan of One Day when it came out, this book captures the same humour - I just hope this one doesn't end with quite as much heartbreak!

I have been listening to...The Saturday's Greatest Hits while running. I'm not even ashamed. 

I have been watching...Black Mirror: White Christmas. I'm well aware that the season of goodwill is long gone, but it is well worth catching up on this brilliant episode of Black Mirror. Written by the genius that is Charlie Brooker, it is mind-bending and heart-wrenching in all the right ways. 

Credit: Digital Spy

I have been using... the Nike + Running App. If you're a keen runner and you haven't used this yet, where have you been? Calculating my every move, from how far I've gone to how fast and how many calories I've burnt, this app is my favourite thing. Plus, you can make everyone jealous/bored with those statistics.

I have been wearing...Marc Jacobs Daisy. I totally forgot how fantastic this perfume smells. Thankfully, I was bought a bottle for Christmas and now I can't stop spraying it. On myself, all of my scarves, my dressing gown...

Wishing you all a lazy Sunday afternoon, until next week...

The Sunday Review

Blogging has taken a bit of a back seat lately. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of visits from far-flung friends, weddings, city breaks and unfortunately pulling a muscle in my back (ouch!). Still, I'm looking back to settling down and enjoying the next few (hopefully quiet) months before Christmas. 

With the arrival of October, I can't wait to make my home all cosy with candles and the smell of home-cooked casserole from the slow-cooker. There is nothing better than the crunch of leaves under your feet, wrapping yourself up in gorgeous knitwear and indulging in long hot baths and hot chocolates on a Sunday evening. Autumn, bring it on!

I have been listening to...U2's Songs of Innocence.

I must be the only person in the world (bar my other half) that actually nearly jumped for joy on the news that U2 had released their album. Best of all, it was free! Although it surely isn't one of their best, it still sounds pretty fantastic, with plenty of infectious tunes. I'm going to be delving into their back catalogue now.

I have been watching...Doctor Who. 

Ok, I know this is one of the most popular television programmes on the planet but I'm still a bit in love with it. Last week's episode was fantastic and Peter Capaldi has definitely captured my attention. 

I have been reading...Daughter.

I've seen a fair few people reading this book on my commute to work.Although I'm still reading it, I can't help but wonder where its going. The premise is of a woman struggling with the aftermath of the disapperance of her teenage daughter - so far, so cliche. Unfortunately, it isn't really living up to expectation at the moment but I'll let you know. 

I have been lusting after...Cosy knitwear.

With chillier nights on the horizon, there is nothing better than a bit of virtual shopping for autumn fashion. Big cable-knit jumpers, chunky cardigans and leather boots are my favourite things.

The Sunday Review

This week has been a bit of a quiet one but well needed! I'm settling into my job nicely and looking forward to three weeks time when my best friend Rachel comes to stay. She lives in Singapore and sometimes the distance feels like a crazy amount - I can't wait to see her and chat to her like old times, although I'm not sure we'll be entering Student Union nightclubs or drinking whole bottles of vodka. Then again, you never know!

Here's what I've been up to this week.

I have been listening to...Giant in my Heart by Kiesza. Since Hideaway came out, I've been a little bit obsessed with Kiesza. There is definitely no-one in the music business like her at the minute, and there is something so unashamedly cool about her. This track is her latest offering and although it hasn't yet been released, I'm already in love with its infectious sound. Check out the video for dancing drag queens and crop tops a plenty!

I have been watching...Utopia. Wow, this television drama is fantastic. After becoming interested in the first series, I wasn't expecting anything too spectacular but the second series has surpassed itself. Perhaps not one to watch with the kids or the grandparents for its shocking violence, it is crammed full with black humour and wit and I cannot stop watching it. I love the comic book feel, the brilliant cinematography and the terrifying notion of a dystopian future. Where is Jessica Hide?

I have been reading...What Alice Forgot. After reading The Husband's Secret, I had to read this one as well. A real page-turner, this is well worth a read. Reviews will be up soon!

I have been buying... Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan BB Perfector. What a mouthful! These beauty products are getting ridiculous with their extravagantly long names. Anyway, in the light of the summer season and the amazing weather we are having, I decided I'd top up my tan with this little beauty. I'm hoping it'll give me a nicely bronzed glow on my face without having to resort to faux tan that makes me look like streaky bacon. I'm yet to try it but I'm sure reviews will be up as soon as I have.

I have been lusting after...More floral dresses.  So, New Look have just bought out more summer offerings and I want to head in store to purchase everything they've got. Floral wrap dresses, gladiator sandals and stylish-but-comfy printed joggers are all going on the list. Someone lend me their credit card?

Happy Sunday everyone!

The Sunday Review

I seem to be so busy right now without a moment to spare. Last Friday I managed to grab a quiet Friday evening with one of my best friends - plenty of pampering, films, magazines, pink cupcakes and delicious home-made Green Tea Mojitos. I've spent this weekend scouring the shops for presents for my Mum's 60th birthday as well as booking three amazing holidays. We'll be off to Rome for five days in September, followed by a long weekend in Bruges come Christmas and most importantly, two weeks in Disneyworld next April. Yes, that's right. I'm going to meet Mickey Mouse in the Sunshine State! Excited doesn't quite cover it.

My week in instagram. 

(L-R: A beautiful commute to work, Lucy's cupcakes, Revlon's lip crayons, Green tea Mojitos, Rapunzel & Sleeping Beauty on my desk at work...)

I have been listening to...Kings of Leon's Mechanical Bull. 

When this album came out in September of last year, I heard nothing but poor reviews. Despite my love of the band, I was a bit put off and didn't bother purchasing. Fast forward nearly a year and I've found myself humming along to a lot of the released singles. I love listening to this at work - its the perfect combination of meaningful slow numbers and up-beat rock tunes to keep me motivated through the afternoon.

I have been watching...New Girl. I'm pretty pleased that the new series of New Girl is finally being aired. I did miss my weekly Tuesday Zooey Deschanel fix!

I have been reading...The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. In short, this book was brilliant. I loved the intricacy of the individual stories, the development of characters and the wonderful twists and turns. A must-read for anyone who loves a thriller. 

I have been lusting after...Fearne Cotton's beautiful wedding dress. 

I know Fearne is a bit of a Marmite character, but I've always been a big fan of her sense of style. How beautiful does she look in this wonderful Pucci dress? 

That's all for this week. I'll be in my duvet trying to avoid Wimbledon on telly! Enjoy! 

The Sunday Review

Another beautifully sunny weekend. This one has been really relaxed- some blogging, Household DIY, a bit of running and making my way through a stack of magazines. I had my last day at work on Friday and was given a huge bunch of flowers that are now brightening up my living room. I start my new role tomorrow and I am nervously excited.

I have been listening to...Coldplay's Ghost Stories. I've been a big fan of Coldplay since I can remember. One of the best gigs I have ever been to was seeing them on their Mylo Xylto tour in 2012. I'm really liking the mix of trademark old-style Coldplay tracks on this album with the more upbeat dance tracks.

I have been watching...Orange is The New Black. I have been meaning to start watching this series for ages but hadn't got around to it yet. The release of series two was a good a reason as any to start binge-watching series one. A quarter way through the first season, we are already hooked.

I have been reading...The Fault in Our Stars. This book was recommended to me a long time ago and I've just finished reading it. Funny, witty and beautifully written, you won't be able to put it down. Review coming soon.

I have been buying...This cute little jewellery holder for my wall. This nifty little holder is a brilliant way to display my statement necklaces so that they don't get all tangled up and lost in the depths of my wardrobe. It was surprisingly cheap, too. Check out Sass & Belle for similar styles.

The Sunday Review

Another bank holiday for us all! I'm a little excited this week as it is my birthday on Friday and I'm planning a huge Primark haul as well as bowling, watching the new X Men film and eating my own body-weight in pizza.

I have been listening to... Kiesza. I'm a little obsessed with Hideaway and now cannot wait until I can hear more of her album. If you haven't seen the video, check it out- it features Kiesza and her dancer friends in New York and is filmed entirely in one take. 

I have been reading...A Long Way Down. I've just finished the classic by Nick Hornby (you can read my review here) and I'm finally getting around to reading The Fault in Our Stars. I've heard so many good things about this book and after delving into the first chapter, I'm already hooked. 

I have been watching...The Great Gatsby. I feel like I've been waiting for years to finally watch the Baz Lurhmann version and last weekend, I finally settled down to watch it. It was much better than I anticipated. I really like the book and the film was very true to this, depicting the hedonistic jazz age in all it's glory. Leonardo Di Caprio was brilliant as the mysterious Gatsby whilst Tobey Macguire stole the show for me as Nick Carraway. Definitely a must-see.

I have been eating...Sweet potato. I'm a little bit sweet potato obsessed at the moment. Such a healthy and nutritious thing to add to your meals, I love having them baked in the oven or cut into potato chips and sprinkled with oil. Yum.

The Sunday Review

I have been listening to…Foxes. I’ve been loving the infectious pop tunes from this Southampton-born lady. Her debut ‘Youth’ was a great dance track played frequently on the radio and her newest single ‘Let it go for the night’ is an equally catchy follow-up. Plus, I love her fashion blogger ensembles and dip-dyed hair.

I have been reading…The Rosie Project. This book is currently a bestseller, and I can see why. Told from the point of view of an intelligent young scientist with autism, it is a romance novel with a quirky twist. I’ll say no more, except that you could grab yourself a copy.

I have been watching...Friends. I’m sure I must be the only person in the world that has never seen each episode of Friends. Recently I’ve been stocking up on episodes from Comedy Central and although they were out of sync, I was enjoying making my way through them. However, this valentines day I was lucky enough to receive the entire box set. I’m loving the rubbish jokes and nineties fashion.

I have been eating…Cashew nut butter and apple. I have been trying to eat cleaner lately in the hope that it might boost my energy levels as well as losing a few extra pounds. Although this concoction isn’t going to help me drop a dress size anytime soon, it is undeniably delicious. I totally blame my friend Lu for getting me addicted.

I have been thinking...of more way I can coax myself into running. I’m currently marking up a few miles on the treadmill in a week but this is not nearly enough. I cannot wait for the sun to come out so I can start pounding the pavements again.

If anyone has any motivational tips, let me know!

The Sunday Review

This week has been a quiet one for various reasons. I'm trying my best to just do the things that relax me and bring me happiness at the moment. Lots of baths, good books and friends. I spent yesterday in the glorious sunshine listening to Glastonbury on the radio (and wishing I was there) followed by a lovely meal with Liam at Pizza Express. Today, my plan is to meet up with a good friend for coffee and delve back into a pile of magazines. Here is what I've been up to this week...


I have been listening to...Bruce Springsteen. Ever since seeing The Boss a few weeks ago at Wembley Stadium, I have been remembering just how brilliant he is. This album is our current favourite for playing in our kitchen. Everything feels better after blaring Dancing in the Dark out of the stereo.

I have been making... Delicious red pesto chicken and herb wedges with fresh vegetables. I'm not one to follow recipes but love making wholesome and healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. My favourite at the moment is to spread some red pesto in chicken breasts, wrap them in bacon and cook them in the oven for 30 minutes. I also chop up some potatoes and sprinkle some olive oil, a touch of salt, basil, rosemary and chilli powder. Delicious and great for summer, I think! 

I have been reading...Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. This book was an unexpected surprise after downloading it to my Kindle. Brilliantly written and life-affirming, I recommend this to anyone who feels a little lost.

I have been wishing for...a wonderful holiday in the sun. It has been a busy few months and I'm really craving a nice long week in somewhere remote with a good book, a chilled drink and the sun beating down on me. Probably doesn't help that I've got this picture of Sorrento as my screensaver at the moment. Beautiful. 

Because We Can- Bon Jovi plays Manchester

June is setting itself up to be a busy month for gigs. Perhaps it has something to do with last year's rainy Isle Of Wight festival, but this year we have decided to attend individual gigs that just happened to be all in the same month!

Last weekend's cracker was to see Bon Jovi at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Liam has been a fan since he can remember whilst I've only been introduced in the last few years. Still, I can never pass up an opportunity for decent live music and so we decided to make a wonderful weekend of it in Manchester.

 The train to Manchester from London is just over 2 hours. I know, I sound like an advert for Network Rail but I was truly impressed at just how easy it was to get from the middle of Sussex to the big bad northern city in just a few hours. We stayed at a Novotel on Dickinson street, about ten minutes walk from Picadilly station and a few minutes walk from St Peter's Square tram stop. We obviously have a bit of a thing for the Novotel chain- we've stayed in the Times Square in New York as well as the Docklands in London, but they never fail to impress. Lovely rooms, superb breakfast in bed, well situated and even letting us take a sneaky McDonalds back at 12.30am- Novotel, we love you.


The ride to the Etihad was an easy one, although a little packed. Apparently the busiest weekend we could have rocked up to Manchester, as well as the Bon Jovi gig there was a Rod Stewart concert at the MEN and Parklife festival in Heaton Park. This explains not only the crowds, but also the extreme amount of double denim and bum cheeks poking out of hot pants that we witnessed.

The Etihad itself is an impressive stadium. We were fortunate enough to actually have some sunshine on the Saturday evening which meant that it didn't begin to get cold until the late hours of the night. Nothing matches listening to excellent live music in the open air.

Bon Jovi were fantastic, also. I wouldn't have described myself as a Bon Jovi fan prior to the gig, but seeing them live has left me with a new-found respect for them. Anyone over the age of thirty five who can still sing like is worthy of my praise. They completed a set that ran just under three hours, pausing momentarily just so Jon could change his jacket and wipe the sweat off his face. The best songs of the night in my opinion was 80's classic Bad Medicine as well as the wonderful rendition of Robbie Williams Let Me Entertain You- a brave choice, but a good one.





Actually, I forgot just how much I love Manchester. Somehow, I think we'll be purchasing more train tickets to the North in the future. Watch out, Novotel, we're coming to get you.

The Sunday Review

Working a full-time job as well as attempting to fit in gym sessions, running and job applications has kept me very busy indeed. Liam is currently in New Orleans, organising a conference and sampling the culinary delights of the USA, so this weekend has been a bit of a quiet one. Today definitely warranted a morning lie-in, jam on toast, Sunday Brunch on the telly and the Sunday papers beside me. Sometimes its good to be lazy. 

I have been wearing...My new ASOS Albany Chelsea Boots. Ok, so if I could, I'd wear varying colours and patterns of Chelsea boots and nothing else. These are the most perfect pair I have ever found- they go with everything. I've mainly been pairing them with floral skater skirts, tights and jumpers ready for the winter, because our office usually resembles an ice-box! 

I have been listening to...Just be by Paloma Faith. Having always been a bit of a fan of Paloma, I was looking forward to her new album Fall to Grace. I love the idea behind the album that she has treated it like a 'film of her life', with each track depicting something she has experienced. You might recognise this song as featured on the ITV drama adverts. Listen to the lyrics, they are wonderful. 

I have been reading...The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas. Having only completed the first chapter of this book, there isn't much I can say about it yet. I've been meaning to read it for a very long time, so I really hope it fufils expectation. 

I've been watching...The Hunger Games. Last weekend, Liam and I sat down to watch this again. Having seen it in the cinema, it was slightly disappointing having to watch it on a small-screened portable DVD player, but it was still fantastic. If you haven't seen it, give it a chance, or even better- read the books!  Here is my review on the film.

I'm also really looking forward to the return of Downtown Abbey this evening. What can I say? I've been converted to period dramas.

Isle of Wight Festival

This is very much overdue, as the Isle of Wight festival was nearly a month ago now. Still, we had an amazing time and I wanted to post these captured moments from instagram as well as my thoughts on our first festival. We started our journey at the local train station, loaded up with double sleeping bag, bright yellow tent and various bits and pieces. After a slightly disorganised but fun journey to Portsmouth Harbour, we hopped on the ferry and made our way over to the Isle of Wight. As we were there mainly for the festival, we didn't see too much of the Isle of Wight itself- although the glimpses we got through the window panes of a packed bus were lovely- hopefully we'll make it there again someday.

On reaching the festival site, we were greeted with a lot of mud. Thankfully, we'd put our wellies on because by the time we had pitched our tent, we were already knee-deep in the stuff. After a quick rest in our (surprisingly warm) sleeping bag and cracking open the malted milk biscuits, we trekked our way to the main stage just in time to watch Noah and the Whale as the sun peeked through the clouds. Later, we watched Elbow- my personal favourite-and grabbed some cheeseburgers and a coffee before  wrapping up and settling in to watch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and their nearly three hour set.

The next day, the weather greatly improved- and although neither of us had much sleep, we were looking forward to a day of good bands and great atmosphere. We even managed to discard our hoodies that afternoon and whilst watching Madness, even got burnt! The afternoon was brilliant, but after a long day, it started to rain heavily and we made our way back to the tent where we spent the remainder of the night talking over cups of tea and biscuits. However, the rain continued to hammer on the roof of the tent- and by the time it got to 3am, the water was starting to seep through. Tired, covered in mud and slightly defeated, we decided to return home a day early so that I could have a shower and Liam could watch England in the football. 

Despite the rain, it was an amazing weekend, and it was nice to get away as a couple and have some careless fun again. The top festival moment for me was definitely Tom Petty singing 'Handle with care' as well as being able to get a Costa caramel latte in the middle of a field! <3

(L-R- IOW, The ultimate festival kit, blue skies, main stage, caramel latte, festival faces, our tent, leopard print wellies, wristband.)

Sunday Review

Ok, so I cheated. It is in fact, a Monday.  I’m more than aware that there has been a bit of a hiatus from blogging recently. There seems to be loads going on at the moment, what with job interviews, the Isle of Wight festival, birthdays, various outings and looking after unwell family members. Still, here is what I’ve been filling those small moments with lately...

I have been wearing...Leopard print from Dorothy Perkins. I’ve recently become a bit enamoured with leopard print and this jersey top has been worn many times now over my favourite skinny jeans and my ASOS red suede Aggie boots.

I’ve been listening to...Bruce Springsteen’s new album Wrecking Ball. The seventeenth studio album from The Boss, it is a comment on America’s economic situation. Brilliantly emotive and wonderfully clever, my favourite tracks are Death to my Hometown, Jack of all trades and Wrecking Ball.

I’ve been reading...Before I go to Sleep by SJ Watson. I recently finished this book in a weekend as I could not put it down. A psychological thriller, it depicts the life of Christine, an amnesiac who forgets her life when she goes to sleep. Even though it was ever so slightly predictable, it was executed wonderfully and still had be gripped. The rights to the film have been sold, with Nicole Kidman lined up to play Christine.

I’ve been watching..Sex and the City. I was recently bought the box set for my birthday and am currently enjoying the third season. Light-hearted and really clever and great fantasy lives. If only we could all write columns and drink Cosmopolitans all night, right? 

The Sunday Review

This week has been nicely busy. Among job applications, gym sessions and driving lessons, I managed to slot in a job interview and a few extra bits here and there. This weekend has been wonderfully relaxing and consisted mainly of reading in the sunshine, watching Eurovision and ambling through town. Here is what I've been filling life with this week...

I have been wearing...My new favourite dress from Dorothy Perkins. I purchased this dress a few weeks ago after buying the leopard print version and loving it so much, I bought it in every colour and pattern available. This dress with a pair of Ray-Ban lookalikes and tan brogues combined with the glorious weather almost made me feel like I was swanning around the French Riviera. Well, a girl can dream. 

I have been listening to...Silenced by the night by Keane. Admittedly, I have always harboured a bit of a secret love for mainstream indie music. In my early teenage years, I was a big fan of Keane and was surprised to see them making a comeback this year- a little older and a little less miserable. This song is brilliantly catchy and emotional, if not a little predictable- rhyming the words 'light' and 'night', who would've thought it? 

I have been reading...Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. After reading The Hunger Games recently, I was eager to see if the rest of the trilogy was as good as the first book. I'm not usually one to buy in to these teen franchises (Don't even mention Twilight) but I have to say I am really impressed with the originality of these novels. So far, I am a quarter of the way through and finding it hard to put down. 

I have been lusting after...This lovely dress from Glamourous UK. With the weather hotting up as well as the fact that it is my birthday on Wednesday, I'm looking to nab myself a lovely summer dress. Glamorous UK was recommended to me by a friend and after checking out the website, I have been impressed. Hopefully I'll be ordering this beautiful little number very soon.  

Finally, here is my week in true Instagram blogger style.

Soaking up the sun, Catching Fire, 

Peppermint green nails, Frappucinno happy hour, 

Farringdon station, Starbucks and The Great Gatsby.

Follow me on Instagram @bexonfire