MOTHER

Today is mother's day, the day where everyone makes a claim that their mum is the best mother in the world. But for me mother's day is just a small celebration of who my mum is, as she is so much more than that. 

Growing up it has always just been me and my mum, and the person I am today reflects everything that she has imparted. My mum is the most resilient person I know, her ability to pick herself up and carry on is nothing but an inspiration. Many people won't have seen the side to her which has hurt or suffered, as any adversaries have momentarily effected her or her outlook on life. Her strength and determination are what have inspired me to get through the darkest moments of my life with humility and perseverance.

From my mum I inherited my gypsy gene. She has always travelled and sought after adventure, as annoying as this trait can be (my life seems to constantly be between cities or continents) I wouldn't change it for the world. 

My mum has balls and doesn't stand for any bullshit, which didn't particularly work in my favour growing up, but has since taught me to stand up for myself with grace and understanding.

My mum introduced me to church, but always let me make my own decisions, and then when she was hurt by church never let it influence my choices.

My mum never spoke a bad word about my dad, even though they haven't been the best of friends, I would never have known. This is something I massively respect her for. There definitely would have been times she resented being a single parent, and my dad living on another continent would have made it easy for her to have taken things out on him, but she didn't.

My mum has watched me make massively huge mistakes, even when she knew best. She never judged me nor did she try to tell me I was wrong. Then when I realised my mistakes never said "I told you so" but instead just held my hand through it all. 

My mum has faced cancer head on, and ended up being my biggest support through it, even when it really should have been the other way around.

My mum gave up a lot of her dreams to be my mum, something I sometimes feel a bit bad for, she had some amazing plans lined up! She worked multiple jobs and studied at the same time, just to give me a better future.
My mum introduced me to Celine Dion, for that alone I am forever in her debt. 

Sometimes she gets really angry, she is really good at shouting. And she does this thing where she will empty the dishwasher REALLY LOUDLY, or whilst driving will pull the handbrake up so hard I'm surprised it doesn't break off, just to let us all know that we have pissed her off. It's very funny, but God help you if you laugh.

So on this mothers day I want to thank my mum, for not just being my mum, but for being my mum, dad, sister and friend. I think she did a bloody good job and if I become half the mother she is then I know my children will be incredibly blessed.

You can also see my mum in a mother's day special on the Urban Outfitters blog!

TO YORK AND BEYOND

As some of you might already know, myself and my amazing fiancée currently live 180 miles apart. This has been due to our work locations. Our plan for after we get married has always been London, however, we recently found out that Tom's job won't allow him to leave Sheffield for another year. Adamant to not live apart for a second year, I began to look for jobs in the north, being equally as adamant (stubborn) to not leave the company I work for, and the fact there is only one of my position in each store has obviously made this a challenge. A couple of weeks ago my district manager got in contact to inform me that my position within the York store had become available. Obviously a perfect opportunity, so my friend Rosie and I went on a little road trip up to York last week so I could attend an interview. York is a stunning city and the store there reflects the surroundings, making me very excited at the prospect of working there.

 A couple of days ago I found out I was successful in my application to be the Visual Merchandising Manager, which I begin at the end of April!

So after a year away from Sheffield it looks like I couldn't stay away for quite as long as I had planned! We are both so unbelievably excited to not be making any more tedious journeys up and down the M1 every weekend! This does also mark my 22nd time of moving house in 26 years, I'm very much looking forward to the day I am no longer a gypsy. So let's just see how long Sheffield can hold me for this time....

Here are a few photos of our little trip to York.

HOUSE OF HACKNEY

A couple of weeks ago I found these beautiful House of Hackneys at work. They were reduced from £285 to £40, which meant £30 with my discount. I'm in love.

BRIGHTON

Yesterday Tom and I drove down to Brighton for the day, to spend time outside in the amazing spring weather that's been going on. We had fish and chips on the beach, sat in deck chairs on the pier, won a lot of 2ps, visited the Royal Pavilion, went vintage shopping and found an amazing coffee shop. All together a beautiful Saturday in the sun.

Tom also spotted Made In Chelsea's 'Proudlock'. Obviously I was too embarrassed to ask for a photo, so just took weird stalker photos instead.

URBAN CHECK IN 2014

Last week I went to Nottingham for our annual conference. This was with the power of 3 from each UO Europe store, district managers, buyers, stylists, managing directors etc. (otherwise known as 'Urban Check In.') It was basically 3 days of talks, networking, multimedia presentations and a walkthrough of our new Nottingham store. Plus a black and white masquerade ball, for which we had to make our own masks (you can see my effort below.) I found the whole thing very inspirational and I came away feeling very lucky to work for the company I do, plus also came away with an incredible hangover for which I blame the free bar.