(thursday's thoughts) the race

In a world where new businesses, blogs, fashions etc. are popping up daily, never has this quote been more true or more important. 

It is so easy to compare yourself to the next person. Whether this be at work or at the gym, we are always looking outside of ourselves to gain motivation.

However, if we were to stop comparing ourselves (and our lives) to other people and look inside to better ourselves, maybe we would all be happier.

I once read that 'comparison is the thief of joy' and I couldn't agree more. It will be hard, but I am going to make every effort to compare my life to no one and compete only against myself to constantly improve.

Are you guilty of comparing your life to others'?

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(French Connection) table accessories

I have kept the decor in my apartment really neutral because I like to change things up on a regular basis with different accessories. A theme that I'm loving at the moment is Nautical. The pale blues and whites are so calming and they instantly make me think of holidays in warmer climates.

This is the third and final part of my French Connection home series and it is definitely my favourite. These pretty table accessories have gone straight to the top of my lust list... if only I had the room to store them!

How do you like to accessorize your table & does a nautical theme appeal to you?

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Shop the look

(colour collective) fuchsia & purple

Today, I'm linking up with Brynn, over at Chartreuse & a Twist for her colour collective series and I've gone with a beach theme this week, following the warm weather we had over the weekend and with Summer holidays just around the corner :)

Sunglasses -- Miu Miu | Kaftan -- Melissa Odabash | Bikini -- Matthew Zinc | Bracelet -- Alexander McQueen | Watch -- Nixon | Bag -- Emilio Pucci | Sandals -- K Jacques

I love this colour combination and I would definitely take any of these picks for a day on the beach.

Hop on over to Brynn's lovely blog for more colour inspiration :)

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(life through my lens) via my iPhone

Happy Monday all :)

We had a seriously glorious weekend here in England, the sun shone all day, every day and I managed to read, relax and catch some rays. It was perfect and I hope it is here to stay!

Here are a few recent snaps from my iPhone...

[I am loving my new coral skirt. It is light, looks cute with pumps or wedges and is great for dinner & drinks in warmer weather]

 

[The legs have been out quite a bit this week and I enjoyed a glass of rose in a beautiful beer garden with a favourite girlfriend]

[Believe it or not, this is the first bunch of peonies I've ever been given and they have not disappointed one bit. I absolutely love them! They have filled my apartment with the most lovely floral aroma and they make me smile every time I see them]

I hope you all had a really fabulous weekend and if you were in England, I hope you enjoyed the sun as much as I did :)

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All photos taken by me :)

(something for the weekend) memorial day

Sadly, it isn't a long weekend here in England, although I wish it was given the amazing weather we are currently experiencing. I'd love an extra day off to lounge in the sun...

If I was lucky enough to be in America this weekend, I know I'd be headed to Yosemite with the boy, for a weekend of hiking - rafting - bike riding - picnics and I'd probably choose to wear something like this (red, white & blue, of course ;)

Sunglasses | Fedora | Shirt | Watch | Bag | Shorts | Pumps

This outfit would, firstly, look cute -- definitely a priority when I'm spending time with the boy :) but it would also be comfortable for all our outdoor pursuits. The TOMS would be perfect for a bike ride or a simple hike and the Cambridge Satchel (which has recently been added to my lust list) would be great for holding all my girlie essentials... lipbalm, water, book, camera, snacks :) Ahh, now I'm dreaming of a weekend in Yosemite!

Wishing you all a fabulous long or normal weekend :)

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Linked with Long Distance Loving

(thursday's thoughts) comfort zone

Isn't this so true! 

I'll be the first to admit that I love living within my comfort zone and stepping out of it takes a lot of effort. I'm not one of those thrill seekers who's constantly looking for the next adrenalin rush -- the thought of jumping out of a plane terrifies me! The thought of holding a tarantula scares me even more!

 

 But I do know that if I want to achieve everything that my hear desires (and I do!), that I must learn to step out of my comfort zone on a more regular basis and I must learn to enjoy that feeling.

How about you -- do you live inside or outside of your comfort zone?

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PS: Pop on over to The Female Entrepreneur Association for some workware inspiration :)

(French Connection) accessories

[All items can be purchased here]

Accessories are probably one of the cheapest and quickest ways to instantly update/change the look of a room. I'm always on the look out for little pieces to add to my apartment, whether it's a new print for my wall, a cute bowl to keep my jewellery/keys in or perhaps a new candle, they all help keep the look of my apartment fresh and up-to-date.

I also love to change the look of my neutral sofa with different cushions and blankets, which then come in very handy during the colder months.

What are your favourite ways to accessorize at home?

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(colour collective) indigo hues

I find these indigo hues so calming. They remind me of a Greek island and nothing says relaxation to me like an island in the middle of the Mediterranean.

The sun is shining today and there isn't a cloud in the sky, which is making me extremely happy. I love warm, sunny weather and tonight, we're having our first BBQ of the season. Nothing says Summer to me like the smell of a BBQ :) 

I hope the sun is shining in your part of the world.

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Image thanks to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Linked with the lovely Chartreuse & a Twist 

(life through my lens) via Instagram

Happy Monday all :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

The sun is finally shining here in England and I am lead to believe that we have a heatwave on the way... very exciting news considering the rather miserable weather we've been experiencing recently.

Here are a few of my most recent snaps, via Instagram, of course...

 

[Pretty roses just because & meeting my friend's beautiful baby for the first time]

 

[Birthday dinner & drinks with two of my favourite girls]

 

[Cupcakes & champagne at my friend's mini Hen Party]

 

[Belinis with the girls & I'm loving my new orange trousers and lace top, which was inspired by the lovely Laura :) ]

 

[This week I wore blazers and skinny jeans ;) and started making an effort to wear heels more often]

Are you on Instagram? You can find me and my pictures @MissSamantha25

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

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(Something for the Weekend) chambray style

I absolutely love chambray, everything from jackets and shirts, through to trousers and shoes, I cannot get enough of it and I particularly like it when two shades are teamed together, like the photographs above.

If I had an unlimited budget, this is how I would style a chambray outfit this weekend...

Bracelets | Bag | Sunglasses | Trousers | Necklace | Top | Ring | Wedges

I am currently living in skinny jeans but this post makes me want to find my wide leg jeans, that are safely tucked away in storage somewhere. Maybe I'll hunt for them this weekend :)

This weekend is going to be filled with a friend's birthday dinner and drinks. Bridal drinks and relaxing.

I'm also having a make up lesson at Bobbie Brown (more bridesmaid preparation!) -- I've never had a make up lesson before, so I'm intrigued and quite excited.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

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Linked with the lovely {AV} @ Long Distance Loving

Image thanks to: 1 2 3

(I found the third round picture via Pinterest but I can't find the original source... if anyone happens to know who this is, please can you let me know -- thank you :)

(Thursday's Thoughts) high heels

Hmm, according to Marilyn, I should be grateful for the invention of high heels and I am, I suppose. At just 5ft 2, I am definitely classed as small, so a couple of extra inches now and then are definitely appreciated.

However, these now and then moments are few and far between and as I get older and more comfortable in my own skin, I find myself gravitating more towards my comfortable ballet flats than my skyscraper heels... something I am starting to regret a little... my bridesmaid duties are rapidly approaching and I'm becoming more and more aware that I am going to be walking down the aisle, on my own, in heels!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

I don't want to wobble. I don't want to look uncomfortable. I certainly don't want to fall flat on my face. I want to be confident and graceful and I guess, like everything else in this world, practice will make perfect.

So, today I have decided that tomorrow will mark the start of my heel wearing. From now, until the wedding, I'm going to wear heels all day, every day. Just the thought of going to make tea or popping to the loo, is already filling me with dread! But I know it will be worth it when I can strut rather than struggle down that aisle :)

Do you wear heels on a regular basis and if so, does it get easier with practice?

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(French Connection) in the bedroom

When my wallet will stretch, I absolutely love French Connection. I love their pretty basics, mixed with the odd on-tend item and it is my go-to shop when I want to treat myself a little. 

Recently, they launched a homeware section and it doesn't disappoint. For me, it has been love at first sight and I just know that each and every one of these items would compliment my apartment perfectly.

This week, I am focusing on the bedroom and these are a few of my favourite pieces...

[All items can be purchased here]

What is your go-to shop for homeware?

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