Alt-J ∆

Alt-J

  I can't really describe who this band remind me of, but maybe that's because they have a whole new sound of their own.

Slowly creeping into the music scene, their new album 'An Awesome Wave' caught me by surprise.  I suppose they could be likened to the Foals' most recent work (such as 'Spanish Sahara'), and perhaps a bit of The Maccabees' relaxed euphoric aura that they've been creating recently.

Give these guys a listen if you're feeling the need for a fresh trickle of musical delight; they will be a great summer treat if you get to see them.

This track 'Ms' is a current favourite of mine from their album.

Lauren-Eloise x

Amy Zerner - Jewelery

For months and months I have been wishing for and regularly stalking Amy Zerner's Astrology jewelery collection on the Liberty London website.

They were launched on the site back at the beginning of the year; I became drawn in by a post on Liberty's blog. I've always been a horoscope-lover, and tend to read my forecast daily in the Metro or the Evening Standard.  Obviously there is a lot of controversy over whether there is any substance to astrology or not, but I always seem to find a connection in what is written about Sags (Sagittarians).

So, as you can tell I was grabbed by these gorgeous 14k gold plated bronze medallions, however I didn't have the luxury of being able to splash out £200 ($250) on a necklace. How annoying.

I resigned to the fact that I'd have to wait till someone bought me it, until... oh yes Liberty's summer sale!  I couldn't believe my luck, I scrolled down to the Amy Zerner section and to my horror the Sag sign amongst 3 others weren't on the site... NO!  They had been given 50% off in the sale, so I was devastated to see that Sagittarius wasn't there.

Luckily for me (maybe it's because I'm a Sag - luck is a key trait), I live in London so after some Uni work I went in to Liberty's et voila!  They had my piece.  Now all I had to decide was whether to indulge or not? After looking at it, I then preceded to make several phone calls to various people who's opinons I hold high! Whilst walking aimlessly around Liberty's trying to make a decision, I finally caved... It was mine!

The Sag piece is a little bit bigger than some of the others, but I still absolutely love it & plan to wear it as a staple piece for the present.

From a happy Sag...

 Lauren-Eloise x

A Hard Path Awaits Me

Well, I'm joining the gym this week and I have literally no clue how you go about it.  All I know is I want to be Rosie's body double by the end of summer. 

I'm not starting on a good footing.  I don't know what to wear, my diet consists of 80% carbs (this evening I've eaten six slices of buttered toast - the shame) and I only understand a cross-trainer and a running machine despite my hard-suffering personal trainer's two month battle to entice me on to something more torturous.  I figured that if he couldn't make me do it, I'd have to wait until I turned 20 and had to go, rather than probably should for the benefit of my health.

In other news, I just bought this and it's the best shower gel type thing I've ever bought. It was about £10 and it's the most moisturising and lathery, freshly-scented cream. I completely love it, and tomorrow I'm going to get the body butter. Addiction. Anyway, see you when I'm skinnier!

An Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny Herve Leger Swimsuit?

I hate summer as a rule.  The irritating heat, the unnecessary exposure of everyone else's skin and the inability to layer without passing out all piss me off so I thought finding one summer-relevant thing I actually like deserved a post all of its own.

This is hands down the most incredible swimsuit I have ever seen.  Of course it's Hervé Léger by Max Azria and was over £500 before it sold out, but one can dream.

And that's the last you'll hear of summer from me, even as I write this I am both thrilled and comforted by the sound of pouring rain at my window.  Ah, to be British.

Soph x

Fish For Thought

 I became a pescetarian when I was 11; so for nearly half of my life I've been on this diet (I'm now 20) and I've been thinking about it differently in the past few months.

Mainly due to all the publications, tv shows and campaigns that are highlighting the very serious issue we have concerning our excessive fishing, and the devastation it's having on the environment.  Basically, we are slowly but surely changing the ecology of our seas, and with detrimental impacts on all sea-life.

The main threats are:

Overfishing - This eliminates important animals in the ecosystem and also decreases the valuable source of food.
Predator loss - By the killing of sharks purely their fins for (mainly) the Chinese population.  This has a very serious impact on the food chain.
Climate Change - Yes, this too is having an impact, increasing the acidity levels in our oceans.  Many creatures are struggling to adapt to these new inhospitable conditions.
Pollution - We all know about it, and we all in some way or another contribute to it whether we like it or not.  However, dangerous levels of pollution whether it be rubbish in our seas trapping animals, or toxic waste is affecting the quality of life in our oceans.
Habitat destruction - Caused mainly by trawlers, devastating natural coral habitats and leaving many sea life animals without a natural habitat to live in.

A Sealion drowned in a fisher's net.

Yes. We're causing a lot of damage to our oceans and seas aren't we.  Luckily there are organisations and people out there who want change, and who care about conserving one of the biggest ecosystems on Earth. 

The size of the problem first caught my attention when Selfridges (a famous London department store), held a campaign called 'Project Ocean'.  This was a five week long campaign, with lots of publicity and public attention.  As a Londoner I don't know anyone who hadn't heard of the project; and that's saying quite a lot!

I guess we've reached crisis levels due to all the recent campaigns, and celebrity involvement such as the British chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.  He has started a campaign called 'Hugh's Fish Fight' which has had a total of 747,416 people sign-up to the campaign in Europe so far (I recommend you check out the link).

All this attention has had an impact on the fish/shellfish that I now buy and eat in restaurants.  Previously I'd buy a tin of tuna without even thinking about whether it was caught using a sustainable fishing method.  Now all I do is look for 'caught by pole-line' and that it's dolphin friendly. If it isn't, I don't buy it, simple.  I recommend buying Sainsbury's own brand tuna over John West as it is 100% responsibly sourced.

While you may not think checking whether the: prawns, tuna, cod, or salmon you buy are responsibly sourced, the method by which they are caught can have a massive negative impact on the environment (such as the use of deep sea trawlers).

Whilst researching this area, I came across some quotes which really caught my attention:

"One in five people on this planet depends on fish as their main source of protein" - Food and Agriculture Organisation... Oh, that'd be me then!

"We are in the situation where 40 years down the line we, effectively, are out of fish" - Pavan Sukhdev, UN Environment Programme.

Realistically, we need to change our fishing habits as soon as possible.  A lot of people are already doing this by buying responsibly and educating others to do so too.

Here are a few useful sites that give you more information on the great fish fight, and how you can help conserve part of the biggest ecosystem on Earth:

Save Our Seas Foundation

Information on Sustainable Fish


Marks and Spencer's Forever Fish Campaign

WWF (World Wildlife Fund) - More Fish Campagin

Thanks for reading...

Lauren-Eloise x

 N.B. All images are from Google Images.

Labrador T-shirt

After lunch with my Dad today, I was wandering through Fenwick and spotted this cute t-shirt. It was designed by Barbour for Newcastle Fashion Week, and all the profits go to this great cause. It's perfect for me - I'm not exactly a very 'fashion' person, so something comfortable rates really highly in my shopping ideals, and at £15 I couldn't resist. I think it's unisex as the sizes are on the large side.

On another very exciting note, Liz Earle have released their makeup range today and you can browse and buy it online. While I was in town, I went by their concession in John Lewis but they didn't have anything on the shop floor yet. I'm really interested in the Cream Blush and the Loose Powder; both of which I've already read glowing reviews.

Finally, I got a new candle from Wax Lyrical called Day At The Spa, which despite the cringey name, smells absolutely divine. I thought I'd treat myself as I'll be spending many an hour revising in my room over the coming weeks. 

Sophie x

Arlo Jesmond

I first started going to this café in Jesmond when I was at school, and my love for it has never faltered.  Back then it was under different management and had a different name, and even though it has gone through a few changes, the basic premise has remained the same; tasty, simple food in a lovely atmosphere.

It is now called Arlo, named after the owner's son and can be visited every day from half eight to seven on some nights, nine on others and five on Sundays.  Lucas, the owner, has introduced an evening menu and lunch now has a bit more substance as opposed to the cakes and sandwiches you were limited to before.

I visited with my Dad this past week and had the absolutely delicious crispy fish fingers with chips, salad and home made Tartar sauce. My Dad had the Otis burger, which also looked incredible. 

During the Easter holidays I sat outside in the sun with one of my friends home from University and got more than a little tipsy with a bottle of wine between us and balsamic roasted vegetables.  

(A complimentary bowl of crisps was also in order when Lucas realised that persuading two students to indulge in a lunchtime rosé on such little sustenance was probably not a brilliant idea!)

Another all-time favourite that gets us out of bed on a hungover morning is the mouth-watering waffles with dry cured bacon and maple syrup.  

Sitting with pots of tea and magazines, this is my favourite spot to people watch the best suburb of Newcastle. All in all, Arlo has something for everyone; friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and great interior design.  You can follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook or visit their website.

Enjoy! 

Sophie x

A Slice of Home Comfort

© Syntax and Starbucks

Most people have house parties when their parents are away... I made a cake.
Mainly out of boredom & also to increase my levels of procrastination further I decided to make an orange cake.

I found this recipe online at 'Good Food'.  It was a very easy recipe to follow, my only problem was I had no baking powder so had to make my own - 1 part bicarbonate of soda to 2 parts cream of tartar.  Other recipes I looked at contained up to 6 eggs! I felt that this recipe would probably be the least calorific (despite the lashings of orange flavoured icing on top).  I would only recommend this if you have a very sweet tooth, as it contains a lot of sugar!

It was great fun to make though, here are a few snaps of the making process:

I like to make a mess when baking...

Tip: Make sure you don't forget to line your baking tin & smooth out the mixture.

I'm rather haphazard when it comes to icing my cakes. Imperfection.

I hope my colleagues at work will appreciate a slice!

Lauren-Eloise x

Fully Cocked

I've been following this Edinburgh based band since 2007, however back then they were known as 'The Mystic Floorboards' and as the years have gone by they've seen various members join & leave the band.  Finally the quad of Dan, Rory, Fergus & Jack created Bwani Junction in June 2009.

As well as being great guys they also create some amazing tunes too. They released their debut album 'Fully Cocked' in November 2011 & are currently touring the UK with the Little Comets, also a northern band based in Newcastle.  I remember seeing the Little Comets supporting One Night Only in 2008, so who knows where Bwani will be in 4 years time!

They played on the BBC Introducing stage last year at T in the Park; a summer music festival held in Perth. Due to such a great response they have been asked to perform again this year; no doubt they'll have even more fans by then.

Bwani are best known for their song 'Two Bridges', the first single of which they've created a music video for.  This song goes down a storm in places like Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh where the band are well known & have spurred a loyal gathering.

The band have also played a few gigs in London; Madame Jojo's in Soho, the Dublin Castle & The Barfly in Camden to name a few.  They are regularly played on BBC Introducing Scotland on Radio 1 & have been recognised by top DJs in up & coming music.


I strongly recommend that you download their album: Fully Cocked.
Also, take a peak at their video for 'Two Bridges' to give you a taste of what they're all about.

A brilliant young band, which we'll definitely hear more about in the near future.

Recommended: Two Bridges & My Body, My Mind (Fully Cocked).
Tickets for the Little Comets tour available here.

Lauren-Eloise x

A Hint of Scandinavia

Forever Fantastic Collection; Caja bracelet by Dansk Smykkekunst - £18.50 available at Drift Living

As soon as I walked into my friends house & saw a delicately formed silver bracelet sitting on the breakfast counter; I knew I had to have it!

My friends own the Danish delight that is 'Drift Living' also known as 'Danish Designs' in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland.  A self made business they stock beautifully crafted Scandinavian items for the home & also crafted jewelery as shown above.   This specific bracelet that caught my eye is from a  jewelery collection from designers Dansk Smykkekunst in Copenhagen.

As I have naturally quite small wrists big bangles & bracelets never sit properly, & tend to engulf my whole hand.  Therefore, I usually opt for the more fragile and elegant pieces of the jewelery world, & hence this particular piece caught my eye.

You can browse other Scandinavian goodies over on their website driftliving.co.uk or why not visit Cha's blog; driftliving.blogspot.co.uk for some crafty updates!

Lauren-Eloise x

Tips for Healthy Hair

Image

Ever since I went brunette, I promised my lovely hairdresser that I would look after my freshly conditioned mane so I have made a few simple changes to my routine.  

1. Use a Shampoo Suitable for Colour Treated Hair - I really love the Liz Earle haircare range because it makes my hair feel super soft and healthy but I've also trialled some of the Kerastase Nutritive and Resistance ranges and they are gorgeous, though highly expensive. It's a good idea to ask your hairdresser what your hair type is and then find a shampoo that works with your hair, rather than against it.  Try and find something that doesn't build up, as that can often make your hair heavier than need be, and a nice smell always helps too.

2. Use a Hair Mask Once a Week - I'm currently using the Wella SP Repair Mask that my hairdresser recommended to combat the dryness in my hair. I want to try their Colour Save Mask as well, so this set is looking like a really quite tempting offer. 

3. Comb Wet Hair with a Wide-Tooth Comb - Cheap and widely available, it's so much better for your hair than attacking it with a brush.  I use this one.

4. Use Heat Protector - I smooth this serum into my hair as soon as I get out of the shower because as well as taming frizz, it also contains a 'thermal shield complex' which sounds very swish and protects my hair from heat styling damage.

5. Turn the Hair Dryer Heat Down a Notch - Another very simple tip. Although it may take a tiny bit longer to dry your hair, the benefits will shine through.

6. Try Not to Overwork Your Hair - Don't use too many products, beside the fact that this will weigh your hair down and inevitably leave it dull and without bounce, some styling products can dry your hair out. Also try not to back-comb unless absolutely necessary, and even then do it strategically. 

Sophie x

To Inspire

I believe there are many ways to convey messages & meanings; but for me, photography is one of the few modes that really captures & challenges my imagination.

Lauren-Eloise x

Something to be egg-cited about.

A few of my Easter wishlist items from The Kooples & Madewell.

Lauren-Eloise x

It has to be Simply Bourjois-ful.

<3

Hello.  Sorry for the lack of posts of late; Uni work seems to be taking over during second year.  As the Easter hols commence however, I've decided I need a completely new skin regime.  With running around London, late nights & more caffeine than my body can handle, I definitley feel it's showing it's effects on my skin.

I was inspired by April's Vogue on their daycare beauty products; displaying lavish crèmes and serums at a purse pinching £50 a tub... Needless to say after a term of living in London a spare £50 to treat myself is nowhere to be found.

Back to the highstreet brands it is!  With this in mind I've decided to purchase Simple's 'Vital Vitamin - Day Cream' and the night cream version too.  At a mere £5.60 I hope I'm not too disappointed by this great find, but will let you know how they fair up.

I also purchased Bourjois' 'Healthy Mix Serum', a gel foundation that covers my skin really evenly complemented by a lovely smell too.  For 30mls it costs £10.99, not the cheapest high-street foundation; however I feel it really works with my skin & it'll get me by until I can purchase my all time favourite Dior 'Forever' foundation £31 on pay day!

Wishing for...

• Chanel's HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE Active Moisture Cream - £44
• Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation SPF 25 - £31
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 30ml - £36

Lauren-Eloise x

Zara Spree & Hair Update

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I love Zara. When I went a little while ago, I ended up taking about 20 things in to the changing room and having a hard time deciding what to actually buy.  Needless to say, there are items I still think about having left them behind.  How sad.  

The first thing I decided to get was this cute printed blouse with little studs on the collar and cuffs.  It's a really nice colour, the fabric's lovely, and there's a horse print version I like too.  I'll wear it with black skinny jeans and flats.

This simple light grey blouse is super comfortable and easy to wear.  It's quite low and sheer though, so a tank top underneath it is necessary. Cute buttons too.

This is SO comfortable and easy to wear, I absolutely love it! I can't find it on the website but it was about £16. It has raw edges, and a pretty low back so it looks summery and a bit sexy without being obvious.  Sorry about the clear lack of ironing that went on there.

The last thing I bought was this dress which, again, I can't find on the site. It's dark grey and very fitted with sleeves that end just above my elbows.  I'm tall (as you may remember) making it very short on me so I'd definitely wear this with opaque tights during the day but it would make a great sexy  number for a night out.  Again, very comfortable and easy to throw on and feel good in.

Also, I wear a very similar style from French Connection for work.  It's called the Samantha Stretch and they've brought out a navy and a gorgeous plum colour this season.  Universally described as 'the fit dress' in store, it's a sure fire hit for sexy success, and so it should be for about twice the price of this Zara option which was £35.99.

A little end note - I dyed my hair and I'm now a brunette! My stylist at John Gerard took me from brassy to classy in four and a half hours, leaving me with a fantastic head of healthy hair and a numb arse, and I cannot sing their praises enough. Easily the best salon service I have ever received, and believe me I've tried so many hairdressers.  I'm a one stylist girl from now on.

Sophie x

Inspiration and Realisation #1

Acne Rita Suede Aviator Jacket / Reiss Brandy Fitted Tailored Dress / YSL Obsession Satin & Suede Heels / VB Victoria Leather Tote

Can you tell I've been browsing Net a Porter? I've been really buying in to the fact I've turned 20 recently which has led to the purchase of some pieces I'd never previously given a second look. I think I reached a bit of a turning point, opened my wardrobe door and realised 'comfortable' really wasn't doing me many favours.

I'm back in Northumberland at the moment for some quality family time, but my list of desirables is certainly mounting.  I can't wait for the next trip to my beloved Zara where there are dresses, shirts and bags calling my name, Russell & Bromley who have a pair of really gorgeous ballet flats or Space NK so I can have a daub of some Chantecaille and By Terry.

I was thinking that in the mean time I might have to tide myself over with a cheeky purchase from American Apparel. Aren't they dreamy? Soft, squishy leather in gorgeous colours.  I was almost at the checkout when I found this tutorial showing you how to make your own and a DIY dream was born. When I get the material, I'll let you know how I get along!

Sophie x

"Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity"...

"He knew everything about literature except how to enjoy it." - Joseph Heller

English literature.  Most people develop a love for the subject at a young age... not me!  I found the whole subject rather tedious, especially at GCSE.  Analysing a book chapter after chapter, theme after theme, seemed to drain all the life out of the books that we were made to read.  Thus resulting in my rather lack-lustre view of literature during my teens.  We picked apart Macbeth, over-sentimentalised Romeo & Juliet, and killed the friendship in Of Mice and Men.  Safe to say, I was not the most enthusiastic English student whilst at school.

I'd always been fascinated by language, whether it was foreign or native; the semantics and syntax had always been an area that I'd enjoyed exploring.  This is probably why I decided to take English Language as an A Level instead of English Literature, despite attaining an A* at GCSE...

The ability to immerse yourself in a story, and have your own take on the story and it's characters is what I love the most about literature.  So the idea of generalising a character under umbrella terms really bored me to tears, and unfortunately turned me away from literature for a very long time indeed.

With my A-Levels complete and University on the horizon, I suddenly realised how few of the classics I had read.  I found it shocking, and disappointed in myself that I'd reached 18 without even scraping the surface of the amazing literature that our English novelists have produced.  Rookie error!

Being a keen actress during school, my Grade 8 LAMDA solo acting exam included one of Juliet's soliloquies from Romeo & Juliet.  With a firey passion for Shakespeare, but with few of his plays under my belt, I felt that the only way to rectify this was to READ READ READ.  For the first time since childhood I started to embrace literature again. Hallelujah!

I started with Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities' and from that point on I've been hooked on reading the classics, and with a philosophy of never looking back.

My favourite...

Novel: A Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Play:  Hamlet by Shakespeare
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Author: Charles Dickens
Era: Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century
Character: Romeo from Rome & Juliet by Shakespeare

Currently reading... 

Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

Lauren-Eloise x

My Unrequited Love

As the saying goes, you always want what you can't have.  Now, for most people this may be something they can't afford, something they don't have room for in their life or something forbidden to them but my unrequited love is affordable, compact and universally idolised.

Heels.  A chic pair from Zara, some quirky and cool platforms from Topshop or the heart-stopping Charlotte Olympia range (Dolly, shown above, £575). And yet why can I not indulge? At 20 years old, I stand at a vertigo-inducing 6 feet tall.

Although many of my more vertically challenged friends claim to hanker for a couple more inches, I cannot stress enough to them the trials of being tall. From standing out a head above your classmates in assembly, to your choice of men being seriously reduced (especially when with shortness seems to come a charming cheekiness) it really can be a hindrance.

Since going out clubbing on an evening has become a bi-weekly habit at Uni, my pain has only worsened.  I watch friends slipping on a pair of sexy heels and stepping out in gorgeous, feminine confidence while I go barefoot during pre-drinks before I cram my feet in a dull pair of flats and shuffle out of the door.

People suggest a mid-heel but who wants shoes that signal the wearer is nothing more than safe and sensible? I want eight inch, stiletto platforms, I want the real deal, and I want it without repeatedly bashing my head against the ceiling of the club (true story).

So, any lucky readers who stand at a height suitable for vertiginous heels, thank the Sex-Kitten Gods for blessing you with smaller proportions and understand when your tall friends weep in the shoe lounge of your nearest Topshop or browse Louboutin alone with a tub of Ben and Jerry's at night. We are the walking wounded (in flats), girls with our hearts constantly broken, cursed with a problem that simply cannot be solved.

Your friendly neighbourhood giant,
Sophie

Real Techniques Brushes

On my lunch break yesterday, I popped in to Boots and got these much-loved makeup brushes.  I decided to go for the Core Collection for £21.99 and the Powder Brush which was £12.99 (it isn't on the Boots website at the moment).

I know there are so many reviews out there already, and I completely agree with all the positive comments.  They are super soft, don't shed at all and blend makeup flawlessly.  I love them so much, especially since they are at such an affordable price point. Anyway, this is how I use mine:

Pointed Foundation Brush: For me, this is far to small for a foundation brush. My base makeup would take ages and honestly, I'm too lazy to spend more than a few minutes on my whole face.  Instead, I use this to conceal my dark circles with Benefit's Erase Paste as it is just the right size for the eye area.

Detailer Brush: I didn't think I'd like using this because it is so tiny and I'm used to the MAC 217 for concealer but I have been converted.  I find that the more precise application helps me use less product for a better finish,

Buffing Brush: Hello dream foundation brush! Incredible finish, super fast application and no shedding at all (unlike the MAC 187 or any Chanel brushes I've tried - horrific). I use Estee Lauder Double Wear, which is a pretty heavy, difficult to blend foundation, but I had no problems here.  I pop a splodge of the foundation on the back of my hand and take it on to the brush from there. The compact hairs mean that you get nowhere near as much bend or give as you do with a MAC 187 and I think this is why I love this brush so much.

Contour Brush: I apply the Benefit High Beam with this, directly from the pot to the brush and then buffed into my cheekbones, temples, cupids bow and the bridge of my nose.  I find that the level of sheen is easy to control as this is relatively small and quite tapered.

Powder Brush: I haven't been powdering my face recently so I use this for bronzer instead.  The huge size makes getting a soft glow really quick and easy; from your face, to your neck and on to your collarbones and décolletage. 

It seems by some miracle that I have managed to get five fantastic brushes for about £35, incredible! I'm loving this down-sizing and simplifying approach at the moment, I think it's something about Spring that makes everyone want to start afresh. One of my favourite beauty bloggers, Vivianna Does Makeup, has also been going for the same approach.  Click the link to see what she's been up to on Youtube lately, she also has an informative blog.

I hope you're all having a lovely day! 

Sophie x

...But why is the rum gone?!

Rum; there is something about this sugarcane based drink which pulls me in to it's West Indies roots...

weheartit.com

"Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum", a famous quote is it not?  I suppose this spirit has always had exotic and adventurous connotations, not to mention it's famous association with the outlaw pirate Jack Sparrow (or should that be Captain Jack Sparrow?).

Maybe I'm meant to be a pirate...

The Mojito

Yes, rum has made it's name in several famous cocktails, but I always prefer the standard classic that is the mojito (providing it is well made of course). When it comes to this cocktail, for me the amount of delicious brown sugar at the base is key, alongside lots of fresh mint sprigs.  Obviously this is commonly associated as a summer drink; as the fresh zing of the mint and lime balance out the sugary spark of the white rum. 

Here is a list of places that do this drink justice:

• Venn Street Records, Clapham Common; these guys know how to serve a cocktail, and with regular 2-4-1 offers on cocktails combined with their fantastic service I highly recommend this hidden away bar.
• Christopher's - Martini Bar, Covent Garden; if you've got some cash to splash, and appreciate a well sourced cocktail this is definitely the bar for you.  Made famous by it's wide selection of martinis, it's other cocktails are just as adventurous and delicious. A great place to go on a date, but I advise booking a table in advance.
• Mahiki, Westminster; finishing off my recommendations with the crème de la crème that is Mahiki nightclub.  If you're the kind of person who likes to party in a tropical paradise (centre of London), then this is it.  With a reputation of having multiple celebrity guests and it's famous treasure chest; if you want a mojito with that little bit extra...you'll find it here.

However, if you've always stuck to the original mojitios, I think it's time you branched out.  As an alternative I would recommend you try out a spicy ginger mojito, as they are my winter flip-side to the lively original, and if made withdark rum rather than white the spiced flavour is made even richer.  Try out this recipe for a fiery rum treat: Ginger Mojito.

Trying something new

Until recently I'd been used to sticking to the white rums such as Bacardi and Malibu, as lovely as they are I had been on the look out for something with a bit more pizazz.

Hello, Havana Club 7 year old dark rum! This has been my latest spirit crush, unfortunately it appears to be rather expensive; recently at a bar in Angel (London), I ordered a HC7Y with coke and it totaled to a whopping £9 (luckily it wasn't my bill)!  On the flip side, it is rather scrumptious and if you are a rum fan like me, I suggest you give it a try.

Any suggestions for other rums you've heard of and think I may enjoy, please feel free to leave a comment, Lauren-Eloise x