Thoughtful Thursday: Is unlimited holiday a thing of the future?

Recently I stumbled across an article stating that Virgin, Richard Branson's company, are offering its employees unlimited holiday. An employee of Virgin will be able to request as many days off as they so wish within the calendar year.

Sorry, what?

Thoughtful Thursday: Coping with Change

                       

I will admit that before a few years ago I wasn't the best at dealing with change. I found it hard when we moved towns, changed schools, went to University or even changed my morning cereal (ok, too far). However, 2 and a half years ago I went through an extremely difficult break up during my Finals at Oxford. I lost my best friend and someone who had been a constant in my life for many years, and whilst it was extremely difficult it taught me so much about myself and coping with these big changes in our lives.

Without getting too personal, I have also gone through a break up and the loss of my Gran, which has left me feeling very contemplative. I wasn't sure whether to talk about these things on my blog, but when I started this at the end of last year I promised it would be like a personal diary for me to look back on. Therefore I want to be real and talk about real things. Life isn't all burgers, new clothes and adventures around the world! Adjusting to a new life where a big change has happened, such as a break up, a lost loved one, or a geographical move can be quite difficult, but during many hours of thinking time I've come to the following conclusions...

1. Change doesn't have to be negative. Every cloud has a silver lining. Since ending my relationship I have found I have more time to dedicate to others in my life. I have gained a good balance of being a good daughter, sister, friend and work colleague and I'm feeling very content with life. It's always sad when you lose something you had before, but there's also so much to be gained and I have some wonderful people in my life that deserve so much attention and love.

2. Which brings me onto my next point, and that is to 'just say yes.' I am trying to make a conscious effort to grab every opportunity with two hands, and stop saying no to things that may be outside my comfort zone. I am taking two trips abroad in the next month, hosting a big fancy dress birthday party  and fulfilling one of my life long goals (more to be revealed at a later date!)

3. Work on you. Often I find it's very easy to get wrapped up in caring for those around you that you forget your own self-esteem and confidence and personality needs some love too. Being on your own means you have to do more for yourself. That power cut at 12am needs YOU. It's so cliche, but if change means falling in love with yourself a little bit more, that can never be so bad thing.

4. Treat yourself. Whenever I'm going through a hard time I know exactly what will cheer me up. Some retail therapy, a pamper session, my best girl friends and a night on the town. It's perfectly acceptable to be a little indulgent when you've had a rough time, and it's the little things that bring a smile to your face that are so important.

I know none of this advice is ground-breaking, but it is definitely things I've learnt from some tough few weeks! Just remember, good things often fall apart so better things can come together. And without giving too much away, some great things seem to be coming together over here on LBL...

Autumn Fashion Wishlist

For the first time ever in my life, I am getting excited about Autumn. I am usually a Summer girl through and through; I love the beach and the sun and holidays and ice creams, and I absolutely dread the onslaught of cold, wet weather. However, this year, I'm surprisingly excited for it, and I genuinely think that has to do with AW14 fashion trends.

Last year I found it quite difficult to adapt the AW trends to my personal style. It involved really chunky boots and lots of dull colours and really baggy, oversized things. However this year, every time I go to the shops I have to physically restrain myself from buying everything in sight. That's why I thought I'd put together a few things on my September fashion wish list to tempt you too!

I wanted a camel coloured coat last year, but couldn't find the perfect one. However now I think I have - I like simple, unfussy coats, and this one from Dorothy Perkins is classic and also looks really snuggly. I also think because it's so versatile you can wear it with loads of different styles.

I have been craving some leopard print pumps for a while, and these ones from Dune are gorgeous, albeit a bit on the pricey side. I'm not one to wear a lot of prints, so I think these will add the perfect 'edge' to any casual weekend outfit.

Every Winter a girl needs a new pair of boots. I've already bought some beautiful black ones from H&M for £24.99 (bargain) but wanted some beige/brown coloured ones for wearing with blue jeans. I love the shape of these ones from H by Hudson, and they're an alternative to the Ash Jalouse boots which I can't seem to find in stock anywhere!

I live in Topshop jeans and am always adding to my collection. Next on my list are the vintage blue ripped Jamie jeans. Classic, but with a modern edge. Plus they fit like a dream.

Even on days when I'm not at work, I still love to dress smartly. Therefore, I love blouses which can be paired with smart trousers/skirts for work, but look equally as chic with jeans and boots. Perfect.

Lastly, I've had my eye on this Larsson and Jennings gold watch for a while. I absolutely adore my Daniel Wellington, but I quite fancy an all metal watch (gold all the way). I don't think the price is too unreasonable, and I quite like that the brand isn't ridiculously well-known.

What's on your wishlist? I'd love to know!

Thoughtful Thursday: SEXISM - It's A Two Way Street

This week, Emma Watson (or the 'silly little Harry Potter girl' as she called herself) took to the podium at a UN conference to present the 'Heforshe' campaign. The campaign aims to target men, and encourages them to support and advocate feminism. Not feminism in a form which is pro-woman and anti-man, but feminism which recognizes that all humans are equal, and therefore all women should be treated equally, with no gender perceived better than the other. Rather than most campaigns of its kind, it targets men to make the difference, rather than only aiming to evoke 'empowerment' in women. It's revolutionary; aiming to address and resolve the problem of gender inequality, rather than only helping women to 'cope' with the problem.

Long time no speak...

Slap on the wrist, I've done it again. I've managed to go well over a month without one single post on LBL. My apologies for that, but I promise that usual habits will (hopefully) resume from now and everything will be back up and running a little more regularly.

Best Burger Award goes to...

Anyone who knows me or follows me on Instagram will know that I am a BIG burger lover. And when I say big, I mean I am practically obsessed. But who doesn't love chowing down on a burger? Over the past year I have made it my mission to try all the different burger joints in London and I have mentally ranked them accordingly. I thought I'd share my thoughts with you so next time you fancy some burger goodness you know where to head to. You can thank me after (or take me with you. Either will do).

Thoughtful Thursday: Female Role Models

A couple of days ago I ended up in a heated debate with a colleague of mine about Beyoncé. Who knew Queen B could cause such massive arguments (other than her sister assaulting her husband in a lift)? She was arguing that the world famous popstar couldn't sing, had no talent, and whilst she was a great performer she was nothing of a role model for young women, and that parading around on a stage in very small underwear was nothing to be proud of. We moved onto the pop industry in general and other names were thrown up: Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga. All of these women attract constant media attention for their outrageously sexy outfits, as well as their latest love, sex or drugs scandals.