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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | Whether you a fan of Cappuccinos, Lattes, or Mochas, there's just something so energizing and refreshing about having a cup of coffee in the morning, especially if you haven't had the best night's sleep. Instead of having your daily fix from Starbucks, Costa or any other coffee shop, wouldn't it be nice to have luxurious and gourmet coffee delivered to your door? Well with Blue Box Coffee, you can do just that! Blue Coffee Box was born in 2017 as a speciality subscription for devoted coffee lovers.

"Handpicked speciality arabica gourmet coffee from 22 countries, selected for your taste preference, freshly hand-roasted in the UK, and delivered in a sleek, letterbox friendly box with origin and tasting notes."

Blue Coffee Box Subscription

I was kindly gifted one of the luxury coffee subscription boxes* from Blue Coffee Box which features two full-size bags of coffee* in a signature presentation box, and leaflets about what coffee I had received with details of the source of the product. An interesting and thoughtful touch so you can read about the origins of the products in your box! From the moment I received my box in the post, the aroma of fresh coffee hit me straight away, and I hadn't even opened my parcel yet. If you have any coffee lover friends or family members, this would make a great gift! You can receive the coffee with whole beans, or have it prepared for a cafetiere, dripper, aero press or espresso - whichever works for you!

Blue Coffee Box Subscription

"Once your taste buds have experienced gourmet coffee, they won't want anything else."

I received coffees from Brazil and Ethiopia which definitely makes a change from your standard shop bought instant coffee. The Brazilian coffee is produced by the Posses community in the Minas Gerais region. Featuring sweet nutty flavour and chocolatey notes, this coffee is simply delicious! The perfect choice if you prefer a more simple coffee flavour but with a delicious aroma. 

The Ethiopian coffee is produced on a private farm in the Yirgacheffe region by Israel Degfa. The coffee features unique flavours of Blueberry and Palma Violets, making it very unusual but very aromatic and flavoursome - if you want to try something new and interesting, this coffee is a must have!

What are your favourite coffee flavours?

15:56 1 comments

AD| Exploring America has been on my bucket list for the longest time, and there a number of US states that I'd love to visit. But obviously due to the current global pandemic, international travel is the last of my current plans for the foreseeable future. However, that doesn't stop me from dreaming about my future travel goals and researching into places I'd love to visit one day!

Los Angeles Dating Ideas

Home to so many iconic and beautiful locations, dating in Los Angeles can be super fun and enjoyable, so if you're in the area, looking over at Los Angeles Personals might be something to consider. Whether it’s Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or Malibu, Los Angeles is packed with things to see and do, you'll be dreaming about it in no time at all! With so many places to choose from, being outside in nature is a great place to be on a date, and I've compiled a few of my favourite destinations to share with you!

If you enjoy being outdoors, keeping fit and getting some fresh air, a hike to the Hollywood Sign could be a great first date idea, especially if you've got a sunny afternoon free. The Hollywood Sign has become a world-famous cultural icon and a perfect places to visit to see some unbelievable views.

The Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of Los Angeles, and is one of southern California's most popular attractions. Offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A, it's definitely on not to miss out on!

dating in los angeles

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and a great place to enjoy great views, soak up the sun and maybe a cute little picnic along the seafront, and stay into the evening to watch a memorable sunset. How romantic?! A vibrant hub of street performers & shops, local activities including basketball and skating, there's plenty to see and do here!

If you're into film and TV, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio for a spectacular tour could be a perfect place for an afternoon date. Enjoy taking a peek behind the scenes of some of your fave movies and TV shows. Think Friends, Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter and the DC Universe, there's something for everyone!

As good a place as any to begin an adventure in Downtown Los Angeles is Grand Central Market, probably the largest and oldest public market in the city, brings together the cuisines and cultures of LA. A perfect location for the foodies as there is so much to choose from. Offering a variety of cuisines and dishes, think Italian, German, Japanese and much much more, this food hall is a great location for a casual, yet exciting atmosphere for a food date, where you'll be wanting to indulge in absolutely everything.

As well as all the places I've mentioned in this blog post, Los Angeles has such an extensive list of really fun and unique date locations, you'll be spoilt for choice and wanting to go on date night, every night!

Have you been to LA? What destinations are on your bucket list?

14:00 No comments
AD| When it comes to gemstones, aquamarines are the undisputed champions of that pale blue hue that we know and love. Aquamarine engagement rings bring something a little different to the table compared to the usual diamond ring. Their colour is subtle enough that it’s still obvious from a distance that you’re engaged, and not wearing any old ring, but it’s also bold enough that people can’t help but be amazed by its beauty – rightly so! But which are the top aquamarine engagement ring styles? Let’s find out! 

Top Aquamarine Engagement Ring Styles

Classic - Of course, you can’t talk about engagement ring styles without discussing the all-time classic: the solitaire. A single stone can represent so much when it becomes your engagement ring – and it doesn’t have to be a diamond to do the trick! Aquamarine solitaires are a real thing of beauty. Not only are they a colour so pure and classic, but they also have a clearness to them that makes them suit everything.

For the type of frequent wearing an engagement ring expects, aquamarines are up to the task of matching every piece in your wardrobe! They’re also very versatile in other areas; whether you’re warm-toned or cool-toned, aquamarines will match you well. Their unique shade means they look good with white gold or yellow gold, so there’s definitely a solitaire out there for you!


engagement rings

Art Deco Dream - Art Deco is a style that never seems to fade away, perpetually coming back to be the star of the show in the best way. Think geometric shapes, bold structure, very architectural. If this matches your kind of style, then an Art Deco aquamarine engagement ring is the ring for you. Cuts like emerald cut, princess cut, cushion cut, and the stunning marquise cut are commonplace in Art Deco jewellery.

Aquamarines fit the Art Deco style like they were made for it. Their cool colouring and crystal-clear internal structures play with light refraction in a way that suits the hard edges and almost tough style of this kind of jewellery. Engagement rings in this style are best suited to those who are looking to make a powerful statement with their jewellery!

Top Aquamarine Engagement Ring Styles

Contemporary Cool - One of the most popular engagement ring styles of the moment is the halo ring. One central stone, with a gorgeous band, or ‘halo’, of smaller gemstones encircling it – truly stunning stuff! Diamond halo rings are a sparkling mass that’s a sight for sore eyes, it’s true, but a corker central aquamarine makes a world of difference to the overall appearance of the ring.

Getting engaged is a worthy enough time to get something special, and the aquamarine halo rings on the market are blinding! There’s also the option to get the inverted version: a central diamond surrounded by a halo of aquamarines. This allows the diamond the reign supreme if you’re into that, and still gets a pop of colour that’s to die for, as well as actually accentuating the central diamond.

Trios and Twists - A trilogy ring, for anyone not in the know, is a ring with three stones on it – surprise surprise. Trilogy rings have risen in popularity as an engagement ring choice in recent years, embodying both a timeless and fashion-forward aesthetic. Typically, they are of course three diamonds all in a row, sometimes with the central stone being larger than the stones at either side. 

It doesn’t have to be this way, however, as coloured gemstones are taking centre-stage more and more. Aquamarines are particularly suited to this style because of their stunning clarity. An aquamarine with accenting diamonds glitters unlike anything else! They’re also a popular choice for this style because of the cost-effectiveness of the gemstone. A trilogy ring starring an aquamarine will cost a pretty penny but it’s nothing compared to an all-diamond affair!

Getting engaged is a special thing, and it deserves a special ring. That rhyme was nice, but aquamarine engagement rings are nicer by far. If you’re thinking about getting engaged, consider something a little different from the usual and experiment with aquamarines. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but aquamarines are coming for the crown!

What is your favourite engagement ring style?
10:30 No comments
AD - GIFTED | When it comes to fashion, Autumn/Winter clothing is definitely my favourite. Think coats and jackets, leather trousers, check shirts, hoodies and cosy jumpers. You name it, I've probably got it! In this post, I've put together 3 simple yet stylish outfits that will carry you through the rest of the year, with the main item of clothing from KATCH ME's winter range. So if you're in the need for some Autumn/Winter inspo, look no further!

Autumn/Winter Casual Outfits

You can never have too many coats and jackets. Puffer coats, shackets, leather jackets and denim jackets, all Autumn/Winter wardrobe essentials, and pieces you can wear year after year as they never go out of style. I picked up this Blue Oversized Distressed Denim Jacket* that I think is the perfect addition to any autumn outfit, especially on those warmer days where you don't need such a heavy, thick coat. This denim jacket is the perfect piece to team with an all black outfit for that pop of colour.

Autumn/Winter Casual Outfits

Secondly, leather trousers and leather leggings. A MUST HAVE! PU and faux leather are perfect for any occasion, and a great way to take outfits from day to night. I opted for some Black Faux Leather High Waist Slim Fit Trousers* as these are super versatile when styling, and can be teamed with anything to make an effortless outfit. Think bodysuits, checked shirts, oversized jumpers, cropped tees and blazers, the outfit inspo is endless!

Autumn/Winter Casual Outfits

Finally, loungewear. Autumn/Winter clothing is all about comfort, and loungewear is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Think oversized hoodies and cosy joggers, you wouldn't want anything else to chill in, and still look super stylish. A Grey Oversized Hoodie* is what I've teamed with some black jeans, a pair of trainers and an oversized puffer jacket for a casual everyday outfit.

Have you shopped with KATCH ME before? What are your essential AW clothing pieces?
10:30 1 comments

AD| Are you single and looking for love? Are you finding it hard to meet the right person? Dating can be very daunting if you haven't done it for a long while but it can also be fun and exciting. But did you know that one in five relationships in the UK now begin online. If you’re single and dating, you’re no doubt facing special challenges during the current crisis with the world going crazy over coronavirus, when it comes to starting new relationships. Dating during these times has gone online and dating apps or websites have made it easier than ever for singles to get 'out' there and meet new people. As our lives become busier and more hectic, it can be tricky to find time to set aside to go on dates, or to even find people to go on dates with. Dating apps come in to help, by allowing you to get chatting to people more easily from the touch of a few buttons.

Online dating websites and apps are all over internet nowadays, and growing more and more popular everyday. As well as general dating sites like Tinder, Bumble, to name a few, there are some aimed at people with a specific theme, for example religion and age groups. Anyone of any age can date, find love, companionship and friendship using specific dating sites for their needs and to suit their lifestyle. Online dating helps you to make connections in your local area, and it's usually completely free to join. 
online dating apps

For the younger generation, the use of dating websites and apps seems to be a big part of modern day society, and considered to be something that the majority of people currently use or have used in the past. The under 30's seem dating app whizz's as they seem to find these more comfortable to use in everyday life and with newer technology, it's so much simpler to get the hang of. Using sites like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge seem the most popular apps/websites for the younger generation, with online dating being available anytime and anywhere, you can keep up to date, talk, text and video chat with new people whilst on the go.

For the over 30's to 50's ish, a more middle aged group, your adulting life starts to take over in full force and you don't seem to live as carefree as you did in your younger days. Your lifestyle enters into a more settled routine, and you would have figured out what you want or know what you’re looking for. As well as the previously mentioned dating sites like Tinder and Bumble, there are some websites that are available and more suited towards the middle aged group. Sites like match.com and eHarmony are advertised for a slightly more mature and adult audience.

With current dating apps that tend to cater to younger generations, it can be harder for the more elderly generation to find love and companionship, but there are several sites that cater just for them which makes it so much easier to find what they are looking for. Living as a single over 50 can be quite daunting, as you may feel extremely lonely and are lacking friendly company. With the more senior generation using specific older dating sites that are targeted mainly towards them can help them feel more comfortable and confident with online dating in their later life. The focus of these more age targeted sites is for a very much on long-term commitment rather than a more casual dating approach, so if you're looking for something serious, this could be worth a try.

As a round up for this post, I've put together a few helpful tips for finding love and friendship at any age, and things that will help you whilst online dating;

- Make sure you are happy with yourself before getting into a relationship.
- Make sure to be yourself, be honest and have confidence in yourself.
- Don't take rejection too personally and use it as a platform to better yourself and grow as a person.
- Be realistic and have patience. The 'one' might not come to you straight away.
- Know exactly what you want and make this clear in order to build genuine connections.
- Be more open minded, and maybe talk to someone who isn't necessarily your "usual type".
- Mostly importantly, keep online dating safe.

Have you tried online dating before? What websites or apps have you used? What advice would you give?

22:35 No comments
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