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Food and Architecture in Tokyo, Japan | Photo Diary

Food and Architecture in Tokyo, Japan

Looking through my photos from my times in Japan you will see a lot of food & architecture. Those are the two main things that I go a little crazy about when visiting another country, especially when it’s for the first time. Well these pictures were taken on my second trip to Tokyo (before I moved there), when the fiancé and I went wandering around Tokyo Tower, through back streets and temples. The food pictured above is a ‘traditional’ Japanese breakfast, with rice, miso soup, bacon, egg, salad and natto. If you ever get the chance to try natto, then do, because Japanese people love to know whether you’re a fan or not – it’s basically the Marmite of Japan. The second photo is of a bowl of ramen and gyoza, if I remember it was from a cheap-ish chain restaurant. Japanese ‘fast-food’ is similarly priced to the UK kind but doesn’t feel anywhere near as bad when you’re eating it – ramen, rice & meat and noodles are probably the most popular. I’d recommend Yoshinoya, Ichiran Ramen & Coco Ichiban Curry (my favourite!).

All these photos are making me crave Japanese food.
I think I will have to start cooking it more often…or head back soon!

 

 

bloomzy /

Event: Boux Avenue Norwich Store Opening

On Tuesday I was invited to the press preview for the Boux Avenue store opening in Norwich, Chapelfield.
I had heard big things about the store, and as someone who finds it difficult to buy bigger sizes in cute/sexy designs 
(one of their big selling points!), I jumped at the chance to attend.
This post is picture heavy, so I have put everything under a cut to make it easier for you.
Click ‘read more’ to view the rest of the post.

Bras on display, and the handy ‘size draws’ that mean you don’t have to rummage through the rack.
I love this idea! It makes finding your size so much easier, and it means tidy shelves – I hate clutter.


A selection of their lingerie – love the clashing colours!

Inside the fitting rooms, which offer plenty of space, big mirrors and adjustable lighting.
There’s also a telecom system so you don’t have to poke your head out to call for assistance!

Boux Avenue don’t just do underwear!
They also sell swimwear, pyjamas, accessories and beauty products.
Their pyjamas are adorable! I personally want the ones posted above.

My gift bag from the event, which included some of their hand cream, lip balm and some underwear.
We were also given a gift card, which was very sweet and helped towards the bras I wanted.
Finally, a lovely picture of the staff who helped out on the day.
Why did I take their picture? Look at their tights & shoes!! After speaking to them about their uniforms they told me that they’re give a LBD and are allowed to customise it how they wish. That really stood out to me as a great way to keep the brand classy but fun & personal – such a great idea.

I was completely won over by the store! Their staff were absolutely lovely, and really sweet. 
I had a bra fitting and the lady who helped me explained everything about the process and their bras. I’ve had quite a few bra fittings in the past, but not like this. It was personal and thorough. I ended up buying the two bras I tried on. I personally think Theo is on to a winner here. He knows what women want when it comes to lingerie, and Boux Avenue is definitely it!
Check out Boux Avenue’s latest sale here.

bloomzy /

Clippy London Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Clippy London giveaway.
Before I announce the winner I would like to quickly explain to my international readers why some of my giveaways are UK Only. This last giveaway was hosted by me, for Clippy London. The items were sponsored by them but I have to post them myself and that can be pricey when it comes to shipping abroad. Also some PR firms who have offered to sponsor future giveaways are UK based and would prefer to only ship their prizes out to UK addresses. I do apologise and I hope you can all understand – I love you guys just as much! I will be back with an international giveaway soon!
AND THE WINNER IS:


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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I have sent you an email Hayley, please reply in 48hours, or another winner will be chosen.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Boux Avenue Event

Blazer: H&M | Top: H&M | Jeans: Primark | Shoes: Internacionale

So here is my outfit from yesterday’s Boux Avenue event. Unfortunately I was so rushed going to the event, and doing errands afterwards that I forgot to take an outfit photo until the end of the day. Actually my eye has swollen again (I think it’s my No.7 eye make-up remover, even though it’s new!) and it started yesterday afternoon, hence the lack of eyes in the above photo.
The top I bought last week in H&M – I absolutely adore the print! I’ve had quite a few compliments already and it’s the first time I’ve worn it, so it’s an automatic hit in my eyes! I just wanted something warm (think pouring rain) and smart. I think it worked out ok.
Anyway, I have to rush back on the train to uni today. Another 5 and a half hours stuck on trains, only for me to have early classes tomorrow. I have been so exhausted over the last few days, so I do apologise for my online absence.
I will be posting the photos from the event either on Friday, or at the weekend!
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Life in general

Personalised easter egg, foxes hanging in a hotel bar, the diet of a Coeliac, 
odd pig statue, dissertation was finally handed in, so shopping ban was lifted, 
fringe was in need of a cut, business cards were made for the blog, matching nails & trousers,
parents (&dog) came to visit, hot chocolate with everything on top, and my favourite chocolate shop in Kendal.

As the ‘Instagram Weekly’ posts I did kinda fizzled out, I haven’t really posted anything since, unless you check out the sidebar widget I have. So I thought I would post some pictures from the last few weeks, just in case some of you are still interested in my boring life…and if you are, thank you.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Feeling Vintage

Top: H&M | Skirt: Vintage | Heels: H&M

Today’s outfit is just something simple and practical. I have a 6 hour train journey ahead of me tonight, so I don’t want anything too heavy or uncomfortable. I don’t know about other people, but I hate wearing too many layers, too much jewellery or having my hair up when travelling long distances. It’s a weird thing of mine, but it just helps me relax a bit more. I sound crazy, right?

This top should probably win an award for the amount of times it has featured on here. I promise I do own other items…Anyway, the top was bought in H&M whilst I was in Paris, and the skirt is vintage – bought in my local Topshop about 5 years ago when they had a special ‘vintage rail’. How authentic it is I don’t know, but to me it has the comfort and style that only older pleated skirts have. Not that I’m an expert on the topic.
I will schedule some posts during the next few days, whilst I’m away. I’ll also hopefully be ‘live tweeting’ from the event I am heading home for. For now Au Revoir!
bloomzy /

News: Sigma Beauty Affiliate

Sigma Beauty Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80 Brush
Last week I was contacted by the lovely Jennifer at Sigma Beauty.
They had been checking out my blog and wanted to offer me a place on their Affiliate Team.
I was quite excited because Sigma are a well-known and respected brand throughout the beauty industry. I’ve admired their products for a long time, so of course I just had to say yes! This is why there is a new addition to the bottom of my sidebar. I was even sent one of their Flat Top Kabuki F80 brushes – which I shall be reviewing shortly – as a nice welcome to the program! 
The company is based in the USA but they ship worldwide!
They offer products such as brushes, make-up and even their own version of the popular cleansing tool.
Take a peek at all their items here.
You don’t need to be contacted to join the Sigma Affiliate Team:
You can apply yourself and once your blog is approved, away you go!
Unfortunately there is no free gift incentive for those who sign up themselves.
Sign up here.