Another Step Closer to 30

So the BIG Twenty Six is just around the corner, 13 days to be exact, and in all honesty I don’t really know how to feel.

       

Turning 26 is a pretty big milestone, well saying that I guess its not one of those highly celebrated numbers, but for me, 26 is one that I have somewhat been apprehensive about...almost to the point of dreading. 

Once you reach 26 you are no longer allowed to say, 'I'm in my early 20’s', I mean blimey 4 more years and I’ll be 30!!! How did that happen?!

Whilst trying to get my head round that fact I realised that age is just a number. 

Why am I worrying? 

On the morning of Tuesday 3^rd May I will be no different. 

Physically I will still be a little bit chubby. 

Mentally I will still be a little bit childish. 

                                  

                                                 

And I find it very unlikely I will wake up knowing where my life is going...trust me if I do I will let you know.   

So what is the plan to make the most of this next step closer to being 30? 

Let’s stress less! 

25 was a very stressful year. I’m pretty sure I have acquired several stress lines (face and stretch) from this milestone age. I’ll be whipping out the yoga mat, lighting a few more 'de-stress' candles and to be honest not giving so much of a monkeys about other peoples dramas. Work, Bills and Debts I’ll pop in a little bag at the back of my mind and focus on having fun! 

       

Ditch the podge! 

Well, I am extremely excited about this. I have recently really kicked myself up the bum (sounds like an interesting position) but yeah...I have dropped just over a stone and I couldn’t be happier. Bike every night, no crappy crap and nearly 4 litres of water a day! We are on the right path people. It is just continuing with it. Fingers crossed slightly skinnier Suze is making a come back! 

                                       

                                                                   (And yes that is me) 

Adventure Time…com’on grab your friends!! Blimey I love that programme!

I need some adventuring back in my life. This time last year Beardy and I were travelling around the world and it was incredible!! I think mini adventures are needed to release my inner Fin and Jake. Amsterdam? Berlin? Paris? Who knows…Any ideas guys chuck them my way. 

       

Even though 26 is still a terrifying number and I guess I’m still not fully ready for it, I can’t help but feel if I face it with the right mind set and positive vibe....then sod it! A number is a number. 

Let’s fill this 26^th year with as many memories and fun times as possible. 

Going Grey

No this isn’t a stress related issue. 

I have tried so many different ways to get that lush grey colour but failed every time. 

We are talking Purple Shampoos, Toners and Temp colours that vanish at the mention of water. 

Nothing seems to work. 

I’ve seen on Instagram and Youtube this new range called Colour Freedom Metallic Glory that is actually a permanent grey colour range for all hair types.

So I went to my local SuperDrug but low and beyond they were sold out in the colour Silver Grey!! Typical, I find a colour that could actually cure my non grey hair woes and I can’t get my mitts on it. 

I went online to see if I could get it that way, but to my horror the words ‘OUT OF STOCK’ were mocking me for weeks! 

It wasn’t until last week I got a nudge email say it was back in stock, so I jumped at the chance and ordered a batch!! 

       

Right so let’s talk about my hair. 

Recently, as you guys know, it’s been bugging me like an itch you can't scratch, or an eyelash in your eye, or some other bug bare that I can’t think of right now, but you get the gist. 

Having been a platinum blonde for most of my life, to then going travelling and letting my natural mane come through, recently that novelty has worn off and I’ve become ‘Meh’ about my natural locks. 

       

So I gave this a whirl.

I emptied the tube of colour and the developer into a tint bowl. 

       

The colour had a slight blue tint to it which I can't lie, freaked me out a little. 

       

       

After sectioning my hair into quarters I applied it over my head starting from the roots and working towards the ends. 

Almost instantly the colour started to develop so I asked beardy for a hand. 

When my hair was completely covered (which took about 10/15 mins) I left it it a further 5 and I kept checking the ends. 

When I was finally cooked I rinsed and conditioned with the little sachet that comes with the kit. 

And here are the results 

    

             

The ends are little more Bluey than I would have liked, but at least it's more of a solid grey tone than the wishy washy style i'm used to. To be honest I'm a fan. 

My advice would be to get someone to do it for you as this stuff develops quickly. 

It recommends you leave it on for 25 mins after application, but I think if I'd done that it would have been ocean blue all over...and as much as I love Marge Simpson I don't really fancy rocking her look. 

Out of 10....hmm id go with a 7. It's a great even colour, though slightly darker (with a bit more blue thrown in) but hey I actually now have grey hair. 

For an at home colour it's brilliant, but just be careful not to let it over develop. 

If you are unsure ask your hairdresser for advice or do a sample patch test before fully committing. 

Lets work the granny look. 

The Dreaded Mid-Mid-Life Crisis

Everything is getting odd and there is no sign of it stopping. 

So don’t worry teenagers, the crisis you are going through now (aka puberty) will stop for a little bit, but then come back when you least expect it. Mine appears to have hit me at the age of 25, nearly 26!! 

The Dreaded Mid-Mid-Life Crisis             

         

1.Your skin

When you finally think yeah, I’ve nailed this, I’ve got my skin care down to a T, my make-up is sitting perfectly, but then BAM my skin goes ‘oh hell no’! 
Out of nowhere it decides to mix things up and do things to completely knock my confidence. 
A little dry patch here, a break out there and boom back to square one on how to cope with my skin! 

2. Your Wieght 

When I was younger I used to be able to drop weight a hell of a lot easier. What on earth has happened there? As some of you know I was a chubster when I was little, but as I got older, I got really active, I ran a lot, lost nearly 5 stone and could eat whatever the hell I wanted.           

       

Now it’s a case of if I even look at a piece of cake it morphs into an extra chin. No matter how much exercise I do Food has decided that ‘hey we love you too Suze. So we are going to stick around for a little longer, perhaps in the form of a stretch mark or an extra giggle on your bum, you can keep that, that’s our gift to you’. Cheers food! 

3. You just ache!! 

I can go to sleep perfectly fine but then wake up with a messed up neck. How did me sleeping cause this much damage!?! 
It has got to the stage where I now keep a load of those sticky heat patches under the sink just in case. And let’s just say I literally smell like tiger balm 24/7….sexy right. (For those of you that don’t know Tiger Balm is like a pain relief balm…Amazing stuff). 

       

4. Your hair. 

Oh my hair. Bless it, it doesn’t know what it’s doing with its life either. Back in the day when my main responsibilities involved going out and having fun my hair was just beautiful. Blonde, long and full of love. Now, well now it doesn’t even know how to react to shampoo. 

                                             

As I’m sure you can imagine, chubbing out, messed up hair, aches and pains, I’ve never looked hotter...haha your welcome Beardy. 

Probably the most frustrating for me is STILL not knowing what I want to do with my life. Back when I was a youthful, slim, energetic 19 year old I was blissfully naive. I honestly thought by the time I was 25 I would have my life sorted. 

19 Year old Suze’s Check List 

I would be in a career that I loved (25 year old Suze – Nope)
I would be married (25 year old Suze –Nope) 
I would own a house not rent (25 year old Suze – Nope)
I might have a little one on the way (25 year old Suze –Nope, well not that I’m aware of anyway) 

The list goes on.

I’m still extremely confused as to where my life is going. 

Size 8, 19 year old, full lush haired Suze honestly had no clue. 
Size 14, 25 year old, dull haired Suze is equally in the dark except this Suze has bills, debts, and a desk job haha whoop! 

Don't get me wrong I have been able to achieve some amazing things in my 25/26 years on this planet, but I guess I thought something would have clicked by now. Some sort of guiding star,....I'll ease up on the Disney style wishful thinking, but you get the idea.

     

So my advice is this: 

Find what you love and don’t let anything stop you from pursuing it! 
If you are creative and love it do something in that field...that's my aim.
If you’re a whiz with numbers or a lyrical genius go down that route. 
Don’t and I repeat DON’T do something just to pay your bills! 
As time goes on it gets harder and harder to break that cycle! 
Trust me! 

Being an adult isn’t all doom and gloom as this post may suggest. We get to stay up late, we get to have a cheeky drink now and then, and we get to do the angry disapproving look if someone is being too loud on the train….ok I’m not selling this very well. 
But just know that if you are my age, or slightly older or slightly younger, and you haven’t figured it all out yet, then don’t worry, you are not the only one. 

Life is what you make of it and I’m sure as hell not going to stay in this rut.

So this is a shout out to all you Mid-Mid-Life Crisis sufferers out there. 

Stay strong, do what you love and just know you are not alone!! 

Meat Mission Hoxton

The meat-lovin’ legends that gave us Meat Wagon, Meat Liquor and Meat Market have now taken over Hoxton with Meat Mission. 

        

For all the meat lovers out there I’m sure you are aware of these guys, and if you haven’t where the hell have you been?? 

When walking into this Hoxton hot spot you are greeted by a windowless main room that is dark and grungy, with light only via a beautifully designed stained glass ceiling.

        

The cooking here I guess a little more rough ’n’ ready, but that’s just how we like it. If you aren’t prepared to get a little messy then this isn’t the place for you. 

       

The burgers that made the Meat brand famous are beyond awesome. Everything you could ever want, a good quality patty, a decent amount of add ons and they aren’t stingy on the chips! 

       

To add a little spice to our meal we added a side of ‘monkey fingers’. Delicious buffalo style chicken strips that are finger licking gooood! 

       

As you guys know we are always partial to a cheeky cocktail when we head to London and here was no exception. The awesome bartender even showed us how to make the famous Zombie! A concoction of rums, syrups and fire! That's right...fire! 

      

Honestly even if we wanted to recreate one at home I don’t think we could, purely down to the number of different ingredients. But MAN it was tasty! If you are also in the market for something creamy yet alcoholic, they do incredible boozy milkshakes. 

      

This chilled out place is a real favourite of ours. With it’s laid back style, quirky lay out, delicious food and drink you can’t go wrong with a bit of Meat Mission! 

Also they have a photo booth for all you budding models out there. Plus if they like your picture they might just buy it off you. And POSE! 

WELCOME TO THE RED DOG SALOON

If you are in the market for some finger licking BBQ then look no further than the Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton Square! 

        

We rocked up here a few weekends ago and instantly loved it. 

With the classic American style venue and chilled out atmosphere we took our seats and began our Red Dog Saloon experience. 

Cocktails were a must on my part and I can honestly say their margaritas are to die for! 

     

If you’re a hot sauce fanatic like myself you have to get your spicy mitts on the Original Buffalo Wings. They are incredible!

And if you are feeling brave they have a Hot Wing Challenge!! Tears will flow, mouths will burn and taste buds will be destroyed. You have been warned.  

     

You have to try a burger in this place, it’s just a must! I went for The Punisher. 16 hour smoked pork butt, applewood smoked bacon & American cheese all on a delicious beef patty! Mouths watering yet?

     

Beardy was hungry that day so went for The Devastator. 18oz chuck steak, 200g pulled pork, 6 rashers applewood smoked bacon & 6 slices American cheese. 

     

Again if you are up for a challenge they have one which The Devastator is part of. That’s right, The Devastator is just part of the Challenge! We think it involves sides, milkshakes and god knows what else but this is definitely not for the faint hearted or any small tummies. 

     

Based in Hoxton Square RDS is a great place for a couple’s night out or a friend’s get together. It’s a tad pricey but so worth the little dent in your wallet. 

Highly recommended! 

Valentine's Day...Cute or Fad?

Oh Valentine's Day...what are your thoughts? 

I guess I'm a bit of a love grinch when it comes to Febuary the 14th. 

        

Now this is not because I don't believe in love, or I'm not in love myself. That couldn't be further from the truth. I guess my issue is simply this; why make a huge deal out of one day, when you should celebrate your love all year round...see I can be soppy too. 

One of the earliest, and most popular symbols of the Valentine's day is Cupid, the Roman God of Love. Since when have we needed a flying, naked, mythical munchkin helping us tell our loved ones how much they mean to us? 

        

                                                                                  (Elegance at its finest) 

Why do we feel the need to spend so much money on material bits and bobs when the day is meant to be about a wonderful feeling?

I get it, we all love to feel loved, but why not show it everyday in small simple ways?

When I feel poorly and Beardy brings me a cup of tea...that to me is love. 

When we can't stop laughing at the most random, stupid things ...that to me is love. 

Knowing that if ever I needed him, he would be there for me...that to me is love. 

When you are both struck down with food poisoning in the middle of a foreign country and you just lay in your pants on a bed holding hands...that to me is love (too much information? But you get the idea). 

Some times it's the little things that mean a great deal more. 

        

If you want to make the big gestures on the 14th February, the proposals, the cards and the cuddly toys, then go right ahead you loved up lovelies. 

Just promise me one thing...that you make sure you continue the love for the rest of the year. 

Deal? 

Awesome! 

Anyway on a plus side for all of us 'Non Valentines Lovers', on the 15th we can snap up all those half price flowers, chocolates and ice cream! Love is truly in the air! 

        

Cynic or not we wish you a very Happy Valentines day!! 

My Realistic Morning Routine

Let’s be real guys, I love seeing bloggers 'Morning Routines' and wish mine were a smidgen as lush as theirs...but unfortunately mine is nowhere near. 

So here is a run-down of my very realistic morning routine. 

With the classic 80’s song Africa by Toto gently jingling away on my phone at 6:00am, to then be slammed down upon by my hand for at least another 2 snoozes is pretty much how I start most mornings during the week. That might explain why my phone is so broken. 

     

At 6:30, scruffy haired, tired eyed and several 'Suze come on's by Beardy, I eventually drag myself away from my comfy den of a bed to get blinded by the hallway light.

     

With a quick wash using Lush bubble bar and a panic look in the mirror with the thought of ‘Oh Jesus how am I going to sort this mess out’ I get dressed (popping the bear hoodie back on obviously as it's chilly this time of year) and head upstairs to the much needed coffee machine. 

     

The relief when looking in the fridge to see that I remembered to make my lunch the night before brings a slight smile to my face. The thought of making a healthy and nutrious lunch when I wake up is not the first thing that comes to mind....coffee yes, lettuce....most definatly not! 

Hmm…Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. 

     

My eyes start to look slightly less mole like when I take my first sip of piping hot coffee and take my first mouthful of Pesto Scrambled Eggs....mmm tasty!

     

Around 7:03 I slump back downstairs and assess the damage of getting dressed in the dark and deciding on whether to apply the war paint or not. 

9 times out of 10 the base gets done and I leave the rest until I arrive at work...classy right? Better that than accidentally poking myself in the eye with a mascara wand. We've all done it! 

     

At 7:15 we both wrap up warm. We are talking scarfs, parckers, gloves, hats, the lot as HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL it's chilly outside. Oh and did I mention still dark? Oh English winter what a joy you are.

     

As Beardy and I work in a similar area we say goodbye to a very grumpy old boy (who in this time has been fussed, fed and watered), hit the road and head to work together. 

      

And that's it...every morning...5 days a week...Glamorous or What??