My First Shots With The Olympus PEN E-PL8

Hey guys, so as you may have seen on my Insta account I have acquired a pretty amazing new camera for my graduation present, the Olympus Pen E-PL8. I was so excited to start taking photos as it's super easy to connect to your phone via wifi, meaning instantly better photos for social media! I thought I'd show my first few snaps with you all because the quality of my photos is looking pretty fab. The best part, it's easy to use. Although I haven't learned how to use every feature quite yet, it's fairly easy to navigate around. I'm looking forward to taking quality snaps and sharing them with you. Enjoy! 

 My new winter coat...

Yoga at The Ministry Of Sound

Molly Bakes Chocolate Brownie Freakshakes


Lunchtime strolls through Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland 

Milk! Almond, Coconut, Soy or Dairy?

I Don't know about you guys, but recently i've been bombarded with thousands of articles, posts and pins trying to convince me why Soya is the new Dairy, or Almond is the new Coconut, or even some that tell me to forget everything i've read and just stick to cows milk for a healthy source of calcium and protein. So I've decided to strip it back to the basics and look at each milk individually by looking at their ingredients and determining health benefits and disadvantages. 

Almond

Alporo Fresh Almond Milk

Per 100ml-

Fat 1.1g

Calcium 0.12g

Vitamins D, E, B12, B2

Carbohydrates 0.1g

Protein 0.4g

Sugar 0.1

Salt 0.13

Cholesterol -

Lactose -

Almond milk has a creamy and nutty taste. It is often used by those that are lactose-intolerant or vegan.

Soy

Alpo Fresh Soya Milk

Per 100ml-

Fat 1.8g

Calcium 0.12g

Vitamins D,B2,B12

Carbohydrates 2.8g

Protein 3.0g

Sugar 2.7g

Salt 0.06g

Cholesterol-

Lactose-

A dairy alternative that is considered to be just as high in protein. Although you may want to consider a vanilla flavoured version. Soy is an acquired plant-like taste (not my personal favourite) with a thick texture. 

Coconut 

Koko Dairy Free

Per 100ml-

Fat 2g

Calcium 0.12g

Vitamins D,B12

Carbohydrates 1.9g

Protein 0.2g

Sugar 1.6g

Salt 0.1g

Cholesterol-

Lactose-

*Contains MCFA's (Medium-chain fatty acids)

*Fruit not nut, good for those looking for a dairy alternative but are allergic to nuts

Coconut milk comes from the meat of the coconut, it is not the water retained within the shell that is sold separately as coconut water. I use it a lot for cooking curries and sauces to create a sweet and creamy thick texture. The downside of coconut milk is that it is high in saturated fats, you may decide to use it occasionally rather than an every-day ingredient. 

Cow's Milk

Tesco's Semi-Skimmed 

Per 100ml-

Fat 3.6g

Calcium 0.124g

Vitamins B12

Carbohydrates 4.8g

Protein 3.6g

Sugar 9.6g

Salt 0.2g

Cholesterol- 5g per 100g

*Contains MCFA's (Medium-chain fatty acids)

*Contains lactose, a sugar and carbohydrate that is a digestible source of glucose (energy). It is made up of glucose and galactose. Often when people refer to 'bad' sugars they are referring to sucrose of fructose, and consuming these is large amounts can lead to negative effects on the body. Lactose is seen to benefit the body, one example of this is that is supports the development of the brain in children. 

We are the only species that consume milk in adulthood, cows milk is meant for a baby calf. Some people believe that it is not 'needed', although some research has suggested that humans' genes have adapted to include dairy in our diets. 

This is a study by Hartman et el in 2007. It suggests that when comparing milk protein with soy, milk protein demonstrates a higher rate of muscle protein synthesis (building muscle)

I hope this information has helped you out. My conclusion is that it entirely depends on what you are lacking and need more of in your diet. If you want to build muscle, chances are you're better off drinking cows milk. If you are looking for a low fat alternative Almond and Soya are what you're after, these are also good if you're trying to cram some extra vitamins in. Coconut and Soya are good if you're looking to cut carbs. Therefore, before looking for a dairy alternative I would suggest looking at your diet and seeing what you need more and less of, and whether the change is needed. Another factor that affects this is also taste! I love the taste of almond, coconut and dairy milk, but unfortunately can't bring myself to use soya, and whats the point of eating/drinking something you don't enjoy?!

K.

My Workout Playlist

Hey Guys! As i've had a recent change of gym I thought I'd share my new playlist with you to give a taste of the sorts of songs I use to keep myself hyped on a workout...

1. Work : Rihanna & Drake

2. Missing : EDX, Mingue 

3. Breathe : Wilkinson, Shannon Saunders 

4. Lush Life : Zara Larsson 

5. White Tiger, The Heaveytracker Remix : Izzy Bizu, Kano 

6. Stay : Kygo, Maty Noyes

7. Good Times : Ella Eyre

8. Something Special (into you) : Fastlane 

9. Ex's and Oh's : Elle King 

10. Alive : Chase & Status, Jacob Banks 

SUPERSET

1. Breakn' A Sweat : Skrillex, The Doors, Robby Kreiger

2. Go : The Chemical Brothers 

3. Better Love : Foxes 

K. 

The F-Word

So here it is, I have finally plucked up the courage to write a blog post on the F-word, yeah you guessed it, feminism. Over the past few months I have become increasingly agitated by this topic and conversations surrounding it, so here it goes, here's to my feminist rant...

I'm not one for labelling, I highly dislike confining an individual to a specific genre, style, group or lifestyle. Contrary to this I would in fact consider myself a Feminist. There I said it, that dreaded word that many of my friends curl their nose up at, I am a feminist, and to be quite honest I am proud of this. As a current third year English student, when it came to deciding a dissertation topic I knew that I wanted to explore Feminist Theory, Literature and it's influence on modern-day popular culture. In the past year or so the word feminist has frequently popped up in the media, and although many people may believe that feminism is now an outdated and obsolete movement- yes we women do now have the vote, but our struggle does not end here- feminism is still very much alive. You only have to look at J Law's, Meryl Streep's and various other celebs recent speeches to see that females are still subjected to inferiority between genders, the pay gap, lifestyle opportunities and gender performance issues. So why is it that when I say to some of my closest friends 'What do you think about feminism?' or 'are you a feminist?' do they tend to roll their eyes and say that they in fact are not? Saying that I myself am a feminist does not make me man-hating, or mean that I believe females are the superior sex. No. This word, and what I have come to learn that the word means, is that I believe females and males are equal.

One of my closest friends seems to sum up the general consensus on the word quite nicely, 'I am not a feminist but...' she then went on to say that she believe's in equal pay, the equality of men and women and that females should be able to use contraception. This is where I got very confused and slightly angry, I then turned to her and asked 'So why do you not consider yourself a feminist?' To this she replied 'Well i'm not one of those extreme women who'd go out burn my bra and believe that men shouldn't hold a door open for you.' Unfortunately, I hadn't the energy to argue, you see so may women and men hear the word feminist and think of Radical feminism. Radical feminism was a form of feminism that originated within the second-wave in the 1960's, a perspective that holds the belief that MEN OPPRESS WOMEN. Well i'm sorry to offend anyone but I believe this is a highly outdated way of thinking, and that this issue shouldn't be a US vs THEM argument, men can be feminists too, I like to think my father one, my boyfriend one and many of my male friends to be feminists, although many boys seem to squint at the topic and are scared to share their opinion, in fear of being beaten down by a man-hating psycho bitch. 

And so, I could rant about this topic for hours, days or even years, but I would like to leave you with this; if you find yourself answering the question 'Are you a feminist?' in the same way my close friend did, 'I am not a feminist but..' Are the reasons that you are about to state not those that in fact make you a feminist? Do you not believe that men and females are both equal, and should be treated that way? I'm fed up with this negative stigma that looms over the word, you are a feminist, believe me you are.

K.

Life as a Fashion Intern

After having an interview for a paid internship the other day (which sadly I did not get) and speaking to 6 other girls at the assessment day, I've realised that all fashion interns have experienced the same soul-crushing treatment over and over. We chatted about this whilst eyeing up our competition and secretly thinking 'oh god please let it be me getting my first proper paid job.'

So here are just a few of the situations fashion interns are faced with every day ...

1. Trying to look like the latest Vuitton, Acne and Chloe cookbooks when you are skint trying to style out last years Primark.

2. Having to eat last nights dinner left-overs for your packed lunch whilst surrounded by Pret, Itsu and Benugo.

3.Having to look your employed friends in the eye when they ask 'do you enjoy interning?'and silently nod and smile because they just won't understand. 

4.Going to multiple interviews and being told that you are overqualified by some and under qualified by others! Will the vicious cycle ever end...

5. Finding yourself drooling over the samples that get thrown around the office like thrift-store garments.

6. Having to style out the comfiest flats you own as your bound to be sent out on a 40 minute wild goose chase around London.

7. Knowing you could go and apply for any regular office job but don't because you're so desperate for your dream job that you'll live with mum and dad until your 30.

8. Having to pretend that you haven't just seen Kate Moss enter the building, it's no big deal, and you haven't just texted your entire contact list to record the incident. 

9.Remembering when you thought that interning would be glamorous but have now come to terms with the reality that sometimes you even have to take the boss's dog out to do a number two (this one might have just been me)

10. Thinking it's the end of the day, oh no you silly intern you've just been given 4 more tasks to do before tomorrow morning, hurry along you little unpaid being...

Super Smoothies

Now i'm not one for smoothie diets and food replacement meals, but I can't deny that I love a good cup of blended goodness to start off my day! It's one of the easiest ways to make sure you're getting at least five fruit and veg in your diet. As I love smoothies so much I thought i'd share my simple format for juicing along with my current favourite combo. You simply chose one or two ingredients from each section to create your own healthy snack...

Base: Milk, soy milk, almond milk,coconut milk, coconut water, water, ice

Second Base: Orange juice, tropical juice, apple juice, pineapple juice

Thickeners: Banana, greek yoghurt, natural yoghurt(flavoured if you wish)

Main fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes etc.

energy-kick: Spinach, Kale, raisins, goji berries, chia seeds, mara powder

Sweetner: Honey, cocoa powder, nut butter(peanut,cashew,almond), coconut flakes, cinnamon, chai latte powder

My Current favourite: Banana, raspberries, natural yoghurt, honey and pineapple juice

K. 

One Lovely Blog Award

A.K.  nominated us for the One Lovely Blog Award! It's such an amazing way to look at the other talented bloggers out there ! 

So here's the rules....

Rules:

1. You must thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog.

2. You must add this set of rules so that your nominees know what to do.

3. You must add 7 facts about yourself to the post.

4. You must nominate 15 other blogs and leave links to them in the post. (we've kept this smaller by nominating our favourite 10)

5. You must let the people know they have been nominated.

6. Follow back the person that nominated you on Bloglovin.

7 Facts About Us:

1. S & K stands for Scarlet and Kristy 

2. We've been best friends since secondary school 

3. Our dream for the blog is only that we get bigger and better, and that you, the readers, enjoy what we post!

4. Scarlet works as a recruiter whilst Kristy is a student at Loughborough University

5. We are both passionate and driven woman 

6. Random: Whenever we meet for a meal its always an ASK Italian (garlic prawns mmmm)

7. You'll often find us having cocktails or shopping 

Our Nominees :

+The Fashion Antlers 

+clutteredcloset 

+Peplum + Coffee 

+StyleBrunette

@NELLIE_LOVES_

@LADY_FOX88

@KATIELOUEVANS

+lisforladybird 

@GEORGIAJADE

@AlsBeautyBox

Faux Fur Fashion

Faux Fur has undoubtedly made a comeback this season, with thousands of fashion junkies trying to get their hands on a fur keyring, clutch or winter coat. But why has everyone all of a sudden gone faux crazy? That's easy to answer...Shrimps! No not the little prawn creature you pop into your chow mien, Shrimps, a small label that sells brightly coloured faux fur products that dominated the Autumn/Winter fashion weeks, even though they themselves did not host their own show. These coats were everywhere, and have got highstreet shops going fur mad. All of the biggest celebs seemed to be modelling these vibrant furry coats and bags, and have the papers going absolutely mad over Hannah Weiland and Shrimps. I am a massive supporter of this trend and am dying to get my hands on as much faux fur as I possibly can. These accessories have given life to the winter period, stomping on our old khaki trench and saying 'hey, why does winter have to be all about the dark sludgy colours?'. This look is essentially the Autumn/Winter version of last Summers Avant Garde all black look. 

If you haven't already seen some of these luscious products, here's a few snaps... 

Being a student I know that as much as it pains me, I can't afford any items from the Shrimps range, but being the bargain hunter I am have searched for a few places that a selling their own version of these crazy must-haves. 

These two are personal favourites of mine from MakeItFancyLondon. All their items can be seen on their Instagram account - @CHLOWEBB01

These are Asos own, just two of their many products online

And last but not least, this furry keyring is just £12.50 from spoiledbrat.co.uk !

Check out our S&K Insta account for more pictures of our fave faux fur items.

K.

London Fashion Week 2014

So as you know, over the summer I spent 3 months working as a web intern for House of Holland, and my god what an experience it was! This was my first time interning in the world of fashion and unless you've done it yourself, you definitely have no idea what is in store for you. Blood, sweat and tears is a saying that comes to mind. All the hard worked paid off in the end! I was lucky enough to be able to watch the SS15 show at London Fashion week!
Here are a few of the pics that I managed to take ... 

I learnt loads and had a blast along the way, making friendships with people i'm certain I will stay in touch with for years to come. 

And yes, when I left I got a few goodies from the stock room .. take a look - 

K. 

Bumble and Bumble | Our top product picks

So bumble and bumble is a brand that both myself and K are adoring at the moment so we thought we could do a little post declaring our faves. 

As we all know S is the mental product collector so obviously I couldn't narrow it down to one product, I have 2 (well 3 but I'm counting shampoo and conditioner as one) My first pick is the BB Straight Blow dry, pour le brushing. I love this stuff, I don't have particularly frizzy hair but I do have a lot of very unruly wavy hair and this little miracle tames it effortlessly. Definitely a new staple in my hair routine. 

Secondly, I nominate the Color Minded Shampoo and Conditioner. Before using this I was a staunch Aussie Colour Mate kind of girl but since experiencing the pure unadulterated pleasure of using the Bumble and bumble stuff I don't know if I can ever go back. The conditioner is so creamy and does exactly what you would want conditioner to do - nourish and in this case help me cling on to my colour for slightly longer. And now we reach the shampoo... When I first used this I was concerned by the thick creamy almost conditioner-esque texture. However, I was amazed at how quickly this washed out of my hair, washing shampoo out of my hair is usually a long and arduous task but with Bumble and bumble this is the case no more. I won't rant forever but basically I love it. I even love it enough to forgive the way they spell colour. 


While S loves the smooth and slick look, our hair is pretty different, both in colour and texture. I've got blonde wavy hair, and my look is more messy and curly, accented by layers. Unfortunately, due to every day shampooing to prevent it from being destroyed by chlorine (I used to swim competitively), my hair cannot go more than one day without being treated. So, after going through product after product I finally decided to try out Bumble and Bumble's Gentle Shampoo. This product works like a dream! Finally I can go more than one day without having to shampoo and treat my hair  like a normal person. It does exactly what it says! I would recommend this product to anyone that struggles with either greasy or over treated hair.

The Glamour Of Italian Fashion

If you read my previous post on 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014', you'll know that I was sent out to research exhibitions at the V&A for my fashion internship. I was lucky enough to be sent to the amazing 'The Glamour Of Italian Fashion. I had such an amazing day, walking round the beautiful museum and viewing some of the most stunning fashion in the industry.

The exhibition observes the development of Italian fashion from World War II through to the present day. It displays a long line up of designers from Sorelle Fontana and Giovanni Battista Giorgini to Giorgio Armani and Moschino. When walking around you really begin to appreciate the great quality of italian fashion, although this is seen as a typical cliche, it is one thing that particularly stands out.

The exhibit was set out into 5 rooms, each in chronological order of time period. The first from 1774, this displayed women’s wartime day suits. The government used this fashion to help them through the hard time and construct a sense of nationhood. 

The second showing the garments made after the war, the 'Return to luxury', specifically showing beautiful and colourful ball gowns.

 The third focused on the 1950s and 60s. It showed the influence from Hollywood, lots of glitz and glam, and displayed actors and actresses outfits from the period, such as Audrey Hepburn’s gown from ‘Love in the Afternoon’. 

The fourth room was the 'now', exhibiting modern designers and some of their current seasonal garments. 

And finally, the fifth room, 'The Future'. This room projected video interviews with known names of Italian fashion, discussing what they believe makes Italian fashion unique and what is in store for the future.

The  exhibition makes you appreciate the influence of Italian fashion worldwide and the beauty and quality of their garments.

K. 

TMI tag

1: What are you wearing?
S - Miss Selfridge jeans and a Warehouse T-Shirt, nothing too exciting for a lazy Sunday
K - What I wore to work today. My ripped River Island jeans, a white blouse and my mango sunset Roshe Runs

2: Ever been in love?
S - Yes.
K - Yeah

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
S - Yes definitely a few of those under my belt.
K- When I was 13 I got broken up with via email! That was pretty embarrassing

4: How tall are you?
S -5'8
K- 5'7

5: How much do you weigh?
K- Lets be honest, even if we answered this we would lie!
S- Have to agree with K on this one!

6: Any tattoos?
S- Yes I have 4 at at the moment; a wolf on my ribs, Norwegian writing on my hip and and owl and a christmas tree on my ankles. 
K- Not yet, maybe one day

7: Any piercings?
S- I think at last count I had 10.
K- yeah, currently on 5

8: OTP?
S- I dont really know what this means but if its people you think should be together (I think thats what it is) then I would have to go with.... Me and Joe Dempsie!!
K- So my dream couple was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, but thats kinda happened now sooooo Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman.

9: Favorite show?
S- Im a game of thrones gal, but I will always love Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
K- This is so hard! I also love Game of Thrones, Sex And The City and Modern Family.
  10: Favorite bands?
S- I adore Bastille with all of my heart!
K- Currently listening to a lot of Chvrches and MS MR

11: Something you miss? 
S- Living on my own, i've had to move back home recently and i'm missing my independence.
K- My Friends from Uni

12: Favorite song?
S- Weird one but I have always loved Apres Moi by Eartha Kitt.
K- Currently Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud, but this often changes on a daily basis.

13: How old are you?
S- 19
K- 19

14: Zodiac sign?
S- Sagittarius 
K- Gemini

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
S- I look for (probably because I need it more than I like it) someone who will be assertive and won't let me walk all over them.
K- Someone who shares my sense of humour and also has similar interests.

16: Favorite Quote?
S- Make the decision to be who you want to be - My Grandmother (and probably someone else first)
K- I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will - Charlotte Bronte

17: Favorite actor?
S- Stephen Fry or Jim Sturgess 
K- Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

18: Favorite color?
S- I love Red but I also love muted neon greens 
K- Either a duck egg blue or bright orange

19: Loud music or soft?
S- Mostly loud.
K- Entirely depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
S- I tend to drive when i'm sad... although mostly to Brighton if I can. 
K- I don't really have a specific place where I go.

21: How long does it take you to shower?
S- On average 20 mins if i'm rushing.
K- Usually around 15 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
S- I wake up about an hour and a half before work to get ready without being too stressed.
K- 45 minutes if it's just work, up to an hour if I'm off out for the day.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
S- Yes, but looking back on it, it was kind of pathetic fighting.
K- No , but is it weird that I kinda want to be?

24: Turn on?
S- A guy who is ambitious and wears suits..... and has tattoos.
K- A guy that isn't afraid to dance, i'm definitely one for having a boogie on a night out

25: Turn off?
S- I agree with K here but also someone too soppy, i'm not into that at all.
K- A guy that eats too little, I don't want him ordering the salad whilst I'm having a steak

26: The reason I started blogging?
S- I love reading blogs and I started thinking 'that would be a great blog post' about twice a day so I thought I probably should!
K- Been wanting to for ages and thought why not do it with my best friend.

27: Fears?
S- I'm terrified of cows. I also hate them. 
K- I'm pretty scared of Snakes 

28: Last thing that made you cry?
S- Blackfish the documentary - watch it!
K- Sheer tiredness

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
S- To my friend Kimi just now on the phone.
K- To My boyfriend 

30: Meaning behind your Blog Name?
S- I feel like this is quite self-explanatory. Its our initials.  
K- ^

31: Last book you read?
S- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (amazing by the way).
K- Wuthering Heights

32: The book you’re currently reading?
S- Magician by Raymond E. Feist (you may have noticed i'm partial to a bit of fantasy).
K- Woman In Black, I loved the stage show and was told the book was even better.

33: Last show you watched?
S- Hannibal 
K- American Horror Story

34: Last person you talked to?
S- My grandparents.
K- My Dad 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
S- It was actually a really old friend who I haven't spoken to in a while.
K- My sister 

36: Favorite food?
S- Probably sweet potato. Or any carb.
K- hmmmm Tzatsiki 

37: Place you want to visit?
S- New York, but I think I'm going soon!
K- Thailand

38: Last place you were?
S- Work in Wimbledon.
K- My Kitchen

39: Do you have a crush?
S- No, nothing exciting like that going on.
K- My boyfriend if that counts.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
S- I'm not really sure what kind of kiss this question is referring to but non-romantically it was probably my little cousin who came over for a visit.
K- Saying goodbye to my dad with a kiss on the cheek

41: Last time you were insulted?
S- Im thinking this is a good thing but I actually cant remember!
K- I'm not entirely sure , although I joke with my friends all the time.

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
S- I love rhubarb and custards, but not the boiled kind.
K- Drumsticks

43: What instruments do you play??
S- I sing! But no instruments unless you count my rusty recorder skills.
K- I used to play the drums... not very well I must add

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
S- My ring which I got for my 16th birthday and has not come off since, I don't think it actually does come off anymore. 
K- My Pandora earrings which I got for my birthday

45: Last sport you played?
S- Wow, probably years ago when I was still doing PE, I have a gym at my house so not really a sport kind of gal.
K- I threw a Rugby ball around on Sunday, does that count?

46: Last song you sang?
S- Daydreamer by Adele 
K- Somewhere Over The Rainbow 

47: Favorite chat up line?
S- Something genuine.
K- I'm not the best one with chat up lines

48: Have you ever used it?
S- Hmm well this doesn't really apply to my boring answer.
K- Agreed

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
S- My friend lives with me so all the time really.
K- Last night I went with S to an exhibition then to the pub

50: Who should answer these questions next?
S- Anyone and Everyone! But a special shout out to Emilie at Someone in the Corner.