Wimbledon 2014

 

Here it is, my favourite time of year. For two weeks I'm blissfully happy knowing that there will always be something for me to watch on TV and keep me entertained. Wimbledon; two weeks of fantastic tennis, enthralling matches and competition, all in the beautiful surroundings of SW19 (with a Pimms in your hand at all times, it's practically mandatory at The All England Lawn Tennis Club)

I just wanted to take this time to reflect on Andy Murray's euphoric win last summer and the emotions that came with it! It was great to see him come out onto Centre Court today as defending champion, breeze through his first round match and look delighted (and if not just a little bit relieved) to have started the tournament well. In the lead up to this year’s Wimbledon I have been looking back on some publications/books and news articles about Murray before and after his glorious triumph. It's so interesting to look back and read about how he was feeling before Wimbledon 2013, before his life changed and the weight was lifted off his shoulders, knowing now that he is the defending champion. 

If you're interested in reading up on Andy Murray's career so far and his road to Wimbledon 2013, then I highly recommend: Andy Murray Champion and Andy Murray Seventy Seven -My Road to Wimbledon Glory. Both fantastic books which really open your eyes to the world that Murray lives in. Also a great read is an article in the July 2013 issue of GQ, just before his Wimbledon campaign began, and they have recently followed up with an online article you can read here.

 

For a fashion fix, check out Mr Porter – The Look: Mr Andy Murray, where Andy Murray shows off that he is more than just the man behind the racket, he is a rather stylish gentleman too.

 

Wimbledon 2014; ones to watch:

Andy Murray; it would be wrong to think that Murray will be anything other than determined to hold onto that trophy and defend his title.

Rafael Nadal; last year he was one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, being knocked out in the first round by Belgian Steve Darcis. But this year, I think he's back to full fitness, he'll be feeling great after his French Open title and in all honesty I can never write Nadal off (especially not after watching him full power on the practice courts up close at the Australia Open in January, what a man!)

Grigor Dimitrov; my third one to watch is the young (and handsome) Bulgarian. At the ripe old age of 23 he is looking powerful and inspired. He won on grass at Queens Club, just a week ago, and is improving at every tournament. Back in January he got his first taste of a Grand Slam quarter final at the Australian Open (yes, I was there to witness this moment, makes me a bit giddy to think I was actually there!) So I think this could be Dimitrov's year to really make an impression at Wimbledon.

30 Day Challenge

And so it begins. I am setting myself a goal over the next thirty days to complete the '30 day ab challenge' and the '30 day squat challenge'. Whilst the World Cup has well and truly 'kicked off' (excuse the pun) I have decided that now is as good as time as ever to attempt to complete some challenges and tone up ready for summer.

My first couple of days of squats has been okay but tomorrow it goes up to 75 and that does sound a tad more of a mountain to climb for me, but I will give it a go! 'Motivation in key, but habit is what keeps you going' taking this motto and hoping that I will be able to complete my task.

I will give weekly updates to share how I'm going and the effects I'm feeling after the work outs. Wish me luck!

Each workout is a free app I've downloaded onto my iPad 

Sunday musings #carpediem

A little bit of spot

Summer dressing needs to be kept simple. Light, comfortable clothes that can transition from day to night. My key pieces I've been hunting for to add to my summer wardrobe are play suits and jump suits. These two similar choices make getting ready for a long hot summer day much easier, just grab and go. They are versatile also, by adding different accessories and shoes you can change the whole look of an outfit from day to night or casual to formal event.

This little beauty I picked up from Next, a simple black polka dot play suit, strapless and with pockets to keep it casual. I will be teaming it with sandals for the day and my new heeled sandals for any evening events. My accessory of choice involves piling on stacked rings and multiple chain necklaces, with a good pair of over sized sunnies. And you can never go wrong with a brown satchel, big enough for all your little essentials. Verdict is that this outfit will be a wardrobe staple of mine for easy dressing on those hot mornings when I can't bare to wear tight denim shorts!

Polka dot play suit £28 Next

Brown Satchel £22 Next

Jewellery various

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Cheers to a picnic perfect summer

As the weather starts to improve all I think about is getting out and enjoying the sunshine with family and friends. A low cost way to enjoy the summer is to pack up a bag with all your picnic favourite foods and head outside. Whether it's the beach, park or countryside just get out there and enjoy the beautiful free locations that England has to offer. The best place to go to get all your picnic essentials? Marks and Spencer, their outdoor garden furniture and accessories are just a delight, bright colours, fun patters and most of all they're affordable and practical. Here are my cheeky new picnic purchases perfect to take for a day out this Summer. Let's hope the sun keeps shining.

My perfect backpack picnic; cutlery and utensils for two, a blanket and cool bag all in one compact carrier. I will be packing this up to take for a day at Wimbledon, filled with Pimms, strawberries and Macaroons (and it's in the colours of The All England Club)

An alternative is to go for the bright and bold. This roll up blanket is great to take along for the day, no fussy cases, just roll the blanket and it velcros together and has a carry handle. Pair with some bright accessories such as cups and plates (a cocktail jug is always recommended) and you'll have no excuses not to spend days lazing around the garden or park, all at no cost (other than your fun little purchases you can use again and again)

Green backpack picnic carrier £39.99 Marks and Spencer

Pink picnic rug £19.99 Marks and Spencer

Yellow cup (available in pink and blue) £5 Marks and Spencer

Brown Satchel £22 Next

Wimbledon mugs purchased at Wimbledon last year

Australian Adventure

I could write for hours about how unbelievable my 10 week trip to Australia was. Instead I will share some of my favourite memories, the moments that made me catch my breath, squeal out loud, and make my heart stop.

(All images my own and these few are selected out of probably 3000+ so you're lucky I'm not bombarding you with that many)
1. Road trip to The Twelve Apostles
2&3. My beautiful Sydney
4. 7K hike up Wilsons Prom
5. Visiting the Home and Away set and watching filming (and meeting cast members!) at Palm Beach Sydney
6. My best friend Darryl at Taronga Zoo
7. Feeding Wallabies in Port Douglas/Cairns
8. Learning to surf in Sydney, such a brilliant feeling to catch a wave and spend a weekend cut off from the rest of the world and do nothing but surf.
9. Milla Milla Falls, Cairns
10. Beautiful fish in the Great Barrier Reef
11. Reef selfie
12. 6.30am sunrise in Apollo Bay
13. Meeting Nadal at the Australian Open! (Spent two days there, so much fun!)
14. Eureka Tower, Melbourne
15. Handstand celebration after the hike at Wilsons Prom
16. Celebrating Australia Day

Introduction

A new blog for a new era. After graduating university, taking time to travel and settling in back home it turns out that life does become more challenging. As the new chapter in my life is whipping through the pages faster each day, I am going to take more time to enjoy the things I love, this being photography, fashion and fitness. I am setting myself goals and not letting any mountain be too high to climb.

So here it goes; Chapter one.