50 facts about me!

I read through, with interest, http://throughemseyes.com Emma's blog - lifethroughemseyes on Instagram. This lady is so caring and a genuinely lovely person. She has been a pleasure to get to know over social media.

Anyway; at the end there is a challenge and boy do I love a challenge! Emma tags anyone with a blog to share 50 facts about them! I loved doing this and probably could have gone on to 100 before running out of steam! I clearly must love talking about myself!

Without further ado; below is my list of 50 facts about me!

1. My name is Kerri and I am addicted to chocolate!

2. My dad once bought me a football shirt for my birthday and the shop printed my name "KERRY" so they had to get a replacement spelt correctly!

3. Without fail; pyjamas are my only house attire

4. I have poor circulation in my feet and hands; my feet go white then blue and I lose feeling in them (even in mild weather) and my hands go white and I lose feeling sometimes in winter! It can make walking/writing difficult!

5. My now-husband told me "you're the girl I'm going to marry" 3 weeks after we started being friends. My reply was rather unpleasant! I won't repeat what I said in response! Don't you just hate it when your man is right?!

6. I can't sing. But I love to sing! Apologies to anyone within ear-shot!!

7. I love fashion - seeing what others are wearing and outfit-planning

8. I have 8 tattoos

9. I have been married for 15 months, 1 week & 6 days

10. We got married at the same place as both our births were registered 

11. I have around 80 pairs of shoes in total

12. I want to be a mum one day. We really want to become parents

13. I take everything literally. This drives everyone around me mad sometimes! I can't help it!

14. Since before I was born, my family have always had a dog - my husband and I are puppy parents to our adored shih-tzu

15. I am a worrier. Possibly the biggest worrier ever known!

16. I played unisex rugby at the London Youth Games

17. I got a flat tyre the same day that I'd passed my driving test

18. I'm brilliant at remembering dates

19. I take more than 2 photos EVERY TIME! So I have around 5 duplicates of everything on my phone & camera 

20. I didn't know what real, unselfish, adult love was until I met and got to know my now-husband

21. I HATE odd numbers - I get overly anxious is anyone leaves the volume etc on an odd number

22. In 2010 I handed my notice in to my job, an imminent mortgage n purchase and left my ex to move to Ibiza for 6 months...

23. ... I came back after 9 days!

24. I am very caring 

25. I find it hard to let things go 

26. I hate the thought of people not liking me

27. I use to go clubbing at least 4-6 times a week

28. I am a qualified and experienced hairstylist

29. I am a qualified and experienced care and support worker

30. I hate the smell and taste of coffee

31. I feel sick at the sight of blood!

32. I am quite short at 5'1.5" but wouldn't want it any other way!

33. I am sooooo indecisive!

34. I stress about things and need constant reassurance.

35. I don't like cheese...

36. But I love halloumi!

37. I HATE bacon - the sight, smell and taste makes me gag. 

38. I don't like to be too far away from my mum and if I am - I can't be too far from my phone so I can still communicate with her!

39. I have red pigmentation on my face; predominantly my left cheek. I hated it for years to the extent if I accidentally saw it in a mirror after my makeup had worn off slightly; I'd cry. I've recently become more accepting of it.

40. I can't bear my knees being touched! It makes me feel queasy!

41. I have never smoked

42. I live in the same area as the programme TOWIE is filmed 

43. I am a soap addict - Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Eastenders

44. I love to dance

45. I love going out for dinner

46. I only wear my wedding ring on occasions and it's the last thing I put on before I leave and the first thing to come off when I get home!

47. I am in love with my husband's beard 

48. I am one of life's planners; I have lists for the lists I need to make! I write everything down! Even my lists have lists!!

49. I have played the lottery 5 times in the past, 3 of those times I've won £10 so I look at it I'm £25 up as each ticket cost £1!

50. I would love to be a writer

New November outfits

I have been out for quite a lot of meals this month! You all know what this means; list upon list of outfit combinations saved to my phone Notes!

I've pretty much worn most on my 'not worn yet' list now! And it's just coming up to party season so que more outfit musings!

A Saturday meal out with friends

My new pink blouse is from my old favourite Dorothy Perkins, black straight leg trousers are last season's French Connection and my shoes here are from Wallis. It was love at first sight with the shoes for me - so comfortable but look great because of the chain detail across the in-step. My only qualm about the trousers are they're Dry Clean Only. Call me lazy; but I love doing our washing as it's easy to do it yourself at home - and effort to take them somewhere then have to pick them up another time!

A casual Saturday out shopping and lunching 

I love these boots! Courtesy of my mum - they were bought years ago (before I was born I think!) and passed down to me. The sheer definition of vintage right there! 

My top here is new; I got it from a relatively new shop called Apricot. Apparently they sell items from here in some New Looks now too. Light-weight and perfect for 'in n out' days - where you're maybe between the great outdoors and central heating; going between coffee shop / outside / shops / restaurants / outside! Jeans are my trusty Topshop Leigh style.

A meal out in London

I couldn't wait to wear this blouse when I bought it! I do love a sheer, loose blouse (the pink one has my heart too!)

I got it from Dorothy Perkins (petite obviously) it's so comfortable and easy to wear - perfect for an expanding stomach after a delicious meal! My jeans are old Primark ones. The boots I got when there was money off at Office. I tried them on; perfect fit!! It's always difficult for both shoes to be comfortable on me as one foot is an inch bigger than the other! These boots have a short, thick heel of about 1.5-2 inches. They are so cute and perfect ankle height, they will go with dresses and skirts too!

When I saw this gilet in H&M I wasn't sure about it. My husband pointed it out to me on the hanger. I didn't know whether it would look right as the front is faux fur and the back and arm trim are black jumper material. The gilet is quite long (to be fair; everything is on me unless it's Petite!) Once I tried it on I realised it would go perfectly with so many of my outfits; the length and black plain back make outfits look automatically smarter especially with dark bottoms. It was such good value. It's warm! I'm glad I bought it! 

Hunger Games Mockingjay pt2 outting 

The cutest, most comfortable jumper ever! I could have slept in it! Dorothy Perkins Petite strikes again! Worn here with last year's Monki jeans (please excuse how bunched up the bottoms are; they tend to make jeans for tall people and forget about us lil legs!) every shop should have a petite section but they don't so we do our best with what we have!

These boots have been worn a few time now and I feel they were such good value for money and will be worn lots! Another Dorothy Perkins purchase! 

The back of the Dorothy Perkins jumper

I hope you enjoy seeing my outfits! And I'm sure there will be more to come in December; party season!

Autumn outfits

I love fashion!

I love people watching, window shopping and looking on Instagram for outfit inspiration. Some of the outfits I see, I immediately know won't work for me. I am quite short and pear-shaped so I know it's futile to try to emulate someone with long legs, slim hips and smaller bottom's outfits.

As much as I dislike the colder winter months; I do like the wardrobe changes! I'm one of those people who is always cold so layers, thermal socks and boots are my life-saver from October to April!

I hate when you mentally choose an outfit for an occasion but the weather destroys your plans! To get over this, I've purchased a few frost-friendly additions to my wardrobe.

About a month ago, I noticed It's all about burgundy, tan and burnt orange. I don't always automatically follow what is 'in' but I love these colours and felt I could easily work them into my existing (three) wardrobes!

Burgundy

Loose fitting top ~ Apricot

Patterned trousers ~ Oasis

Loafers ~ Dune

Skirt ~ Dorothy Perkins

Thigh high boots ~ ASOS

Tan and burnt orange 

Loose fitting burnt orange top ~ Apricot

Patterned pencil skirt ~ Dorothy Perkins

Tan ankle boots ~ Linzi

Loose blouse-material layer ~ Dorothy Perkins

Blouse with orange flowers ~ Dorothy Perkins

Soft jumper ~ Dorothy Perkins 

Blue boots ~ Dorothy Perkins

Tan boots ~ Linzi

Autumn nail colours 

because you're not fully dressed without some polish on your nails!

L~R: Rimmel Metal Rush, Nails Inc Fenchurch Street, OPI It's All San Andreas's Fault, Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Mustard, Rimmel Salon Pro Beige Babe, Nails Inc St Pancras, Barry M Quick dry Pit Stop

Rimmel Salon Pro Beige Babe

Dear Diary... My (not so) Hallowe'en outfit

We were invited to a get-together at my aunt in law's house for Hallowe'en. 

The 31st October falling on a Saturday evening is the perfect excuse for a fun, alcohol and chat filled evening!

What I wore:

Dress ~ Dorothy Perkins

Boots ~ ASOS 

Glasses ~ Aurora (Specsavers)

Lipstick ~ MAC Viva Glam 2

Lip liner ~ MAC Nice n Spicey 

What I drank:

Barefoot White Zinfandel rosé

Throwback Thursday! The Proposal 💍

It's the 29th October 2015... Which means we got married exactly 14 months ago this afternoon!

What a great excuse to share my afore-promised proposal story (sorry, I should say our - it couldn't have happened without him!!)

My husband had booked a restaurant for the weekend following my Thursday birthday. The previous weekend we'd been out as a large group to start the celebrations. I'd had a brilliant evening and was so excited for my actual birthday and our meal for just us two!

I remember feeling a little sad because a couple of people had forgotten my birthday so was on a bit of a downer!

On the Saturday, 5th October 2013, I wasn't sure what to wear. It's so frustrating when you don't know where you're being taken; do you dress up up or just up?! My hair didn't go right either and I remember feeling disappointed he was finishing work later that day than I'd anticipated.

I sound like a right moaning moaner! I love a surprise as much as the next person, don't get me wrong, but I do get frustrated and feel the need to know!

We arrived at the Magic Mushroom in Essex and he whisked me inside. Our table was just being set up so we were ushered, lady first, over to some plush arm chairs. We were handed a wine list and menu.

Once we had chosen and ordered what to eat, we were shown to our table.

My fillet steak was one of the nicest, but largest, pieces of steak I've ever had the pleasure of eating! It took me about 40 minutes to eat my meal!

For probably the first time in my life; I was so full up I was convinced I could not eat another thing! My husband was very insistent I have a dessert. I assumed this was so he didn't feel greedy having one himself! He said "just have some sorbet or ice cream"... Well, if I'm going to be talked into having a dessert; and there's a chocolate one on the menu - that's what I'm having! So chocolate terrine was what I ended up ordering.

Before I go on, let me just fill in something. For the whole of 2013 my husband kept saying "we're going to get married next year..." I truly thought we would book it and get married with no proposal; no engagement ring. He'd booked for the Sunday 6th October, the day after the meal, to view a venue. We had just sorted that we were moving in together later that month.

When my dessert came out, the restaurant were playing Bruno Mars' I Think I Want To Marry You. When I saw the plate which had what was to be my engagement ring perched on top of the terrine; my response was "oh you chose to do it like this - really good idea!" Wiped the chocolate off the ring with the napkin, finished what I'd been previously saying, whilst putting the ring on my finger! Everyone around us was looking! He had tears and took my hand. He said "so will you marry me darling?" And I realised I hadn't answered! Obviously it was a big fat YES! The lady next to me looked at me in disbelief as I picked up my fork to begin eating; she said "you have to take a picture!" So I did! Thank you fellow diner - you were right - I'm so glad I took that photo! My now-husband later told me he'd slipped the ring to a member waiting staff as I walked over to the arm chairs. 

The waiting staff brought us glasses of champagne and I floated on Cloud 9 all weekend! 

On the way home, my then-fiancé told me he'd booked a restaurant we'd both wanted to try for a long time. He'd explained his plan and they had agreed to assist this to happen. Less than two weeks before the 5th October, they phoned him to say they'd double-booked our table and had to cancel his. He explained this was to be my birthday meal and (hopefully!!) the night we got engaged, and asked for them to re-consider. They refused. The Magic Mushroom was so accommodating to his requests and more than happy to make his dream come true! I loved it so much there; I took him for our 'engagement anniversary' on 5th October 2014 when we were newly-weds!

Before; with my fillet steak

The Proposal. Chocolate terrine

Champagne time!

5th October 2013; my shiny new solitaire from my fiancé 

Dear Diary... Our night at Smiths

On my birthday this year, my husband and I, along with a few friends, booked to go to London to visit a restaurant I'd been recommended so many times! It is not the cheapest of restaurants so it's not one we would frequent weekly but it was worth every penny and the bill spilt 6 ways was actually less than we had anticipated!

For a starter, I really really fancied the Tian of Avocado, Cornish White Crab and Peeled Prawns, whilst most of the others wanted an array of everything so ordered the Assiette of Shellfish – Oyster, Crab, Wild King Prawn, Mussels, Cockles, Clams, Shell-on Cold Water Prawns and they told me there would be enough for me too! My husband doesn't like many of the shellfish options so ordered the flavoured king prawns. The platter was more than enough for everyone but I was so glad I'd picked my trio - it was absolutely delicious! 

Assiette of Shellfish – Oyster, Crab, Wild King Prawn, Mussels, Cockles, Clams, Shell-on Cold Water Prawns

Not brilliant light, Tian of Avocado, Cornish White Crab and Peeled Prawns

There was still some of the platter untouched once my husband and I finished our starters, so I began eating from the Assiette. My husband decided to be daring and tried a cockle, some crab and a clam! The verdict: "they're not actually that bad!" Everything was so fresh and well-presented; it had turned a die-hard fish hater into a mild fan! I tried my first oyster which my friend captured on camera! 

My first oyster!

On to mains; the steak was the favourite of the day amongst our table! 

My husband's main

The Special; Sea Bass

I love pretty much all seafood and as we were in a restaurant that specialises in fish; there was no question of what type of meal I was going to have! Salmon is usually a favourite of mine but when I saw the day's special of Sea Bass, I decided to order this - the dill sauce perfectly complimented this delicate fillet. My husband and I shared some seasonal vegetables, creamed spinach and dauphinoise potatoes which were all flavourful, delicious and mouth-watering!

I did not have room for a dessert and could see looks being exchanged across the table! Everyone else ordered one so I did too! When mine came out; I could see what the shared looks had been about (see picture below) and my husband said "you almost did it to me AGAIN!" (For those of you who don't know our proposal story; I will post later!) 

Birthday Girl's Chocolate Nougat Cake with Salted Caramel Ice-Cream

Baileys Cheesecake

The wine we were recommended and shared between my husband and I was delicious; perfectly to our taste.

A beautiful way to spend my birthday evening, with great company.

Birthday ootn

I would gladly recommend Smiths of Wapping to anyone who appreciates fine dining with a view!  

Obviously, on a Saturday you are encouraged to book to avoid disappointment and your table is yours for 2 hours during their busy evenings. Their website, for reference, is http://smithsrestaurants.com

Dear Diary... Long time no write!

Hi!

Wow! I've just had a quick look on here and realised its been over a month since my last post! Oops! I just re-read my last one; You Know What, That's Ok... And think today is the perfect day to read it back for a lot of people - I've seen a lot of "oh no, it's Monday!" memes on Instagram this morning!

Well, what has happened since I last checked in? I got older for one! My birthday is the beginning of October and celebrations, as usual, started the last weekend in September! We had a get-together at ours with food, music and new puppy appreciation! 

Yes you read that correctly! We got a new puppy in September! She is hard work but my goodness she is worth it! She has made our little family perfect and we both love her to pieces! 

From my little family 

I went to a restaurant along the Thames in London on my birthday with some close friends. I will post separately about this - it was amazing!

So what with all the birthday celebrations and puppy training, our Autumn is flying by! We don't really 'celebrate' Hallowe'en - I've never carved a pumpkin or gone Trick or Treating!

We've been speaking about Christmas plans and NYE has been mentioned too! I love any old excuse to dress up and see loved ones!

But you know what... That's ok.

Sometimes life gives you things you don't want. Some things you really did not expect. Other things you work blooming hard for and feel proud when you get them. Other times, you notice others get things easily they possibly take for granted, whilst you struggle to obtain... At the same time you are probably doing the same to someone else without realising! 

In life, as humans, we have this awful habit of concentrating on the bad. "Oh, you'll never guess what happened to me today!" "That's just my luck, that." "Why do things like that always happen to me?!" 

I have felt like this a lot in my 20-something years. The glass has never been half full, nor half empty - it has always been bone dry in my eyes! I've actually always been quite lucky, thinking about it, and probably took this for granted. So, in the past 12 months since our wedding (my husband is notorious for having bad luck!) it appears some has rubbed off on me.

I've had some dark days. I've had times when I thought "why me?" and "why not me?" Well, you know what?! Things haven't all gone to plan in the past 12 months but my goodness how lucky I am in other aspects of life... 

Another thing I've noticed... People's standards, perceptions and experiences are so different. Someone once told me she was having a hard time. A day she was dreading and considered hard work, was in my eyes; a walk in the park!

Someone once said to me "I know it's going to rain on my wedding day, it'd be just my luck" and guess what... It didn't! 

It's one of those things that if we open our mind to the positive as much as we do the negative; every day would be a Friday, not a Monday! When it's been a rubbish day, we revel in it. When it's been an average to good day... "How was your day?" "Yea fine thanks." And that's it! Done! No mention of any of the things that made it fine, good, average. I'm sure if you think back, there will be a good thing that happened to you most days, if not all.

No? Are you really sure? Did you hear from a friend? A precious family member? Did someone respond well to a comment, some help you gave at work? Did you enjoy your dinner? Were your eggs perfect for breakfast? Did a loved one smile at you? Did you hear a song you love? Did someone pay you a compliment, or you pay one? Did you have a perfect cup of tea? Learn something new? Did you feel the air rustle your hair, the sun kiss your skin? 

You know when you get those miniature sparks of pride and contentment... Grab them and run with them! Let it flood your heart and your mind so the positivity glows. That way, when you walk outside, the heavens open and you've forgotten your umbrella... It won't be the only thing you think and speak about when recalling your day.

Try it. I dare you! (I'm going to!)

In the words of Vivian Greene

One of the best days of my life so far

One Sunday every August annually there is the Ifestia Festival; a tribute to the active volcano at the centre of Nea Kamini {new burnt island}.

We were extremely lucky to be on this glorious history-rich geographer's dream island on this date 2015 for our honeymoon. On the 23rd August I experienced, with my husband, one of the most fantastic days ever! A day that has created some memories to forever hold close and precious.

Bon voyage!

We took a trip on a wooden sailing boat on the choppy sea, seeing the beautiful sights of the surrounding Islands and the main Santorini island. It first took us over to the hot springs alongside Palia Kameni {old burnt island} and bathed in the warm waters; painting each other in the soft mud that can be found underfoot. Its said that the sulphur-rich substance can do more than any face mask or facial. It's something, as a budding geographer, I have been yearning to do for a while! I can in fact testify; my skin is the smoothest it's ever been! The hot springs were just against the island so the boat could not drop us there; we had to jump (or perfect dive in my husband's case) into the sea and swim over to the warm waters.

Once I'd had a muddy foot, face and chest mask... We swam back to the boat - against the current - climbed aboard and dried in the August sun. The boat's captain and guide were eager to show as much of their island that they could. We sailed alongside Imerovigli; taking gorgeous shots of the cliff-side white town. The varying colours of the rocks with large white dykes running vertical along the cliffside made for some amazing photographs. We were brought up alongside a tiny Church; part-hidden in the immense rocks. You can only see this tiny building from the ocean; and even then it is hard to spot! 

We stopped off to eat Meze style foods and drink karafes of wine on the pier of a restaurant on Thirassia; one of the larger and inhabited islands.

Next was the pièce de résistance - the sunset. One of the most striking sunsets in the world. Beautiful burnt-oranges, deep purples and lime greens filled the sky. The twilight was just as gorgeous... Suspended amongst the island's silhouettes. Then; once dark had descended the festival began. 'Magma' began oozing from the volcano; pops of orange and bright whites began and the firework spectacle was beautiful! 

The dark sky brought with it an ocean breeze so I cuddled up to my husband for the short journey back to Santorini Thira island and our coach awaited.

I can't begin to explain how lucky I feel to have been there for this magical spectacle but to have been with my amazing husband to witness it together.

It was truly one of the best days of my life so far.

I took over 750 photos on our honeymoon. This day contributed to quite a high number of these. None of these images have been edited apart from the text added. I would appreciate them not being copied without my permission first being sought. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Boarding

View from the boat of Fira

 

In the hot springs

Tiny Church

Beautiful views

Sunset shots

Ifestia Festival fireworks