Notting Hill Carnival | Drunken Street Dancing

Jacket & Skirt - Topshop, Books - New Look, Necklace - Dahlia, Top - Vintage

Notting Hill Carnival | Drunken Street Dancing

I have always watched the coverage of the Notting Hill Carnival with awe - so naturally, as soon as I  uprooted and planted myself in London, it happened. This post is long overdue but everyone needs a bit of carnival spirit no matter what the season.

I came to the carnival prepared with my most eccentric array of clothing, tissues, prosecco, gin, cider and a thirst to dance - my priorities firmly in order. If you haven't heard of the Notting Hill Carnival it's a huge, colourful carnival that takes over the streets of Notting Hill for two days a year, and has done so since 1966, and will hopefully continue for many more.

The streets are filled with incredible music, happy people and ALL of the colour - bands circling the streets on the back of lorries spreading tunes and positivity, Caribbean dancers doing their incredible thing, steel pan sounds ringing around London and more corn on the cobbs devoured than I can even imagine. I loved my first carnival experience, the only downside I found were the endless crowds (I spent a lot of the time penguining around, almost just levitating through the crowds) and the never ending search for the toilet, oh to be a man in those fateful situations...

I am not sure if I have ever mentioned the fact that I spent 5 years playing in a steel pan band?..... well... I spent 5 years playing in a steel pan band, I was actually quite good and I loved it. The sound steel pans make may be one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. The carnival has definitely ignited my pan playing spirit - could I join a band here? I think so.

Any amazing Notting Hill stories that I can get lost in? If so, you have to leave them below!

Ashley's Exercise Adventures | Fabletics Review Video

Ashley's Exercise Adventures | Fabletics Review

So... I dislike exercise, I am trying to get better - come along and watch what will most probably be a laughable attempt at being 'healthy'

Fabletics - creators of amazingly colourful exercise enablers.

Please like, exercise and subscribe - HERE 

Lambeth Country Fair

Lambeth Country Fair

I am now back from jaunting around the French Riviera, I have a ton of posts and a few videos to post, just to cling to the sun and sense of freedom a tad longer - but before we get into sun, sea and sand I wanted to show you the Lambeth Country Fair.

The Lambeth Country Fair is one of my favourite events that South London has to offer. I mean, it's hard not to get excited by a day that is based around cider, tasty food and reggae music. The day actually got off to a sunny start, that was until the England decided to be the ultimate cliche and rain / thunderstorm / apocalypse... but you will see that for yourself later. So, it started sunny and I went with it - watermelon skirt, sandals and wearing ALL of the colours.

The fair itself is just lovely, even the trees decided to dress up for the occasion. Fuelling up on tasty food before the cider consumption and dancing begins is always the number one priority. I had discovered 'Anna Mae's Mac 'n' Cheese' at the fair last year and I had been craving the cheesy goodness ever since. I went for the 'Kanye Western' because cheese, bacon and hotdogs is a pretty mouthwatering, heart stopping combination.

Skirt & Sandals - Primark, Jumper & Necklace - Topshop, Satchel - Urban Outfitters

We wandered around, taking in the atmosphere before settling on a stage to dance, drink and be merry. That lasted around an hour before the skies began to cry, we then spent a good hour stood under a tree (wet) with umbrellas hoping that the sun would show itself again. The fair was over but our spirits were still high, we danced through the mud all the way to a reggae bar. Everyone was full of mud and wet but that actually added to a pretty great atmosphere.

All round great day.

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Feeling Fruity

Feeling Fruity

So... I've shed hair for the summer. My hair has halved and I am pretty happy with that fact - using a hairdryer for longer than 20 seconds is a thing of the past, bare necks with added breeze for everyone.

Another sunny day in Manchester was upon us - not a rain cloud in site. I decided to dress refreshing, let me tell you a story about this skirt...

... I had tried on a skirt in a size 12, which I managed to drag up over my bum, but it stopped there - no way was it going to fit. Distraught I wandered around Primark, I spotted this beautiful watermelon creation hanging lonely on a rail, I instantly ran over to find it was a size 10. Not one to be deterred I tried it on anyway and it fit! Celebrations, (mainly dancing) ensued. Me and the skirt came together in one moment of perfection - I loved the skirt and the skirt loved me. I gripped the skirt, eyeing people with disgust if they came near the skirt (I had to protect it, the till was close). I arrived at the till - the tag said £12 yet it went through at £5. Winning.

So anyway, I obviously had to wear the skirt right away. I am not the kind of person who can buy something and save it. I dressed like a watermelon to go for lunch, drink iced coffee and play in the greenhouse amongst the baby fruits and vegetables. Did you know that tomatoes started their lives as flowers? Did you know that strawberries grown in my Grandad's greenhouse are the tastiest?

Tell me your stories :)

Manchester > London

A Summer 'Haul'

A Summer 'Haul'

In need a little Summer spending inspiration? Look no further - I have just posted a video (featuring all of the above facial expressions, lucky you) up on my YouTube channel.

Fool For Love - The Dress of Dreams

Fool For Love - The Dress of Dreams

...You are picking apples on an orchard in Woodstock with your sweetheart, you carry your bounty back to the wooden cottage you are staying in and get started on apple pies and an afternoon nap...

Wear the Fool For Love dress with a big straw hat and a bunch of daisies .

Who could not fall in love with this dress after reading this description?

This dress has been waiting patiently for the right amount of sun, grass and happiness to tease it out of the wardrobe. Myatts Field Park opened its gates for the 'Camberwell Arts Festival' delivering delicious food, reggae bands and shaved ice. SHAVED ICE? Possibly the most magical discovery, ever. Not only does it look ridiculously instagrammable but it's a delight to the taste buds.

Two of my housemates were judging the 'Camberwell Bake Off' - they appreciated my offer of being 'chief taster' before gracefully pointing me in the opposite direction... The bandstand was transformed to host a pretty spectacular reggae band, did you know that sunny days are made for reggae music?

Toujours Toi Family Affairs is one of the most beautiful brands, with one of the loveliest people behind the helm. Me and Nina discovered that we have a mutual love for what each other creates - skill swapping was the only way forward. Skill for skill, dresses for paintings.. but more on that soon!

Camberwell is starting to feel like home.