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30 November 2012


Last night I went to see Band of Skulls play at The Leadmill, and my was it fun. I absolutely love live music, and although I'm usually too broke to get to many, I've had this one planned since the summer and have been looking forward to it since then. I've seen them play before, supporting The Black Keys at Nottingham Arena, and it was an absolute thrill to see them somewhere a little more intimate, headlining the stage themselves. They played all of my favourites from both of their albums, and looked absolutely bad-ass as always. I have the worst habit of falling hopelessly in love with anybody on the stage in front of me, and true to form, I now have a huge crush on Russell, and miniature ones on Matt and Emma. Amazing set, amazing show, ten out of ten BOS.

 Today is being spent tidying and sorting before work at 8. I'm actually really excited to get my bedroom fixed up as its starting to look really cute, with fairy lights and the like. I'll take some pictures once it's done later.


Best Friend Love.

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26 November 2012

I finally have a working laptop, and just in time too, as things are starting to pick up with university work and personal side projects. I keep attempting to find time to sort out the layout of my blog, but I seem to be totally blogger illiterate, if anybody has any tips for me that would be amazing.

I haven't written for so long, that once again I have a thousand and one things to update you on, but everything generally has been really good, other than the fact that I've run desperately out of money (January loans cannot come quick enough!) 

Here are a couple of sneaky snaps of me at Propaganda on Friday, with two of my favourite baby girls. Joseph Gilgun (Woody from This Is England) was DJing and although I held his hand for a split second, he didn't fall desperately in love with me, so the night wasn't all that I'd hoped for and more. Also I had that horrible third year feeling that I'm getting old on account of 18 year old Freshers running about the place and trying to dance with me. Nobody got time for that!


Coloured shades are always a good move in night clubs I find.

Fingers crossed you'll be hearing much more from me in the near future.

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23 October 2012

I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago now, and I cannot thank everybody involved enough for how special they made it for me. I always end up stressing out around this time of year, worrying that I'll have an unsuccessful party, or i'll have a boring day, but I'm soon reminded that my wonderful friends and family ain't ever gonna let that happen.


On the eve of my birthday I headed back to Nottingham and enjoyed a lovely family meal at Las Iguanas, where we ate and drank as the Latin folk do, then headed for a couple of drinks at the trip to Jerusalem which is the oldest pub in England. It was the first time I've been, even though I've lived in Nottingham most of my life, and its really cute for an old man's pub. I woke up on my birthday in my own cosy bed at home, to the sound of my mum singing something about the key to the door? I'm not sure how it goes but it was cute. I was spoilt with presents, including my own pair of Jeffrey Campbell Litas, at last! As my parents both had work early, I headed into town with Dad to catch the train, where he took an hour off his morning and treated me to an incredible breakfast at Patisserie Valerie. Spoilt spoilt! When I arrived back in Sheffield I was greeted by a bunch of friendly strangers wishing me a happy birthday as I was wearing a big pink badge - reminding me just how adorable and friendly it is here. I met Sophie and we went for Lunch at Bungalows and Bears, one of my favourite pubs in the Steel City. After hours of pottering around town, and unfortunately uni, we headed home where I found that the house was kitted out in decorations and awful photographs of me, which was absolutely the cutest thing ever. I just about managed to hold back the tears as I opened my presents and enjoyed a home cooked chilli and birthday cake. The intention was then to hit Itchy Feet, a swing night at Leadmill but as it was raining and we weren't guaranteed entry we ended up drinking at home, all dressed up anyway, and I saw my birthday out with sparklers and huge penis shaped shot glasses of gin - it was hilarious and perfect.


The days following my actual birthday contained more birthday fun! I had a night out to Corporation on the Friday, a 90s themed house party on the Saturday, and a tattoo a couple of days later once the mad aftermath of the party had cooled off. The party was absolutely amazing, my friend brought his decks over and played a mix of 90s music until 7am the next day, and everybody danced and went wild all night long. The costumes were amazing, I was so pleased that everybody made an effort, and my five best friends from home, who are scattered around the country at different universities all made an appearance! I can't really put it into words so enjoy some photographs instead!


Bundles of 90s fun. Oh and the tattoo I got was a pair of unicorns on my thumbs. Silly, maybe, but I love them all the same. I had them done at Follow Your Dreams in the forum, by an excellent artist called Rich. What a birthday, hey! I'm a lucky girly.


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17 October 2012

Fresh Start
A whole summer has passed and here I am with the impossible task of getting back into full swing with my poor neglected blog. It's been a strange one for sure, I've tackled a break-up and a move, had to balance working in Sheffield whilst all my friends were back home in Nottingham and prepare for my third and final year at university. Definitely the most stressful and un-summery summer of my life, but I have my fingers crossed that winter will manage to pull through and save 2012 from being a total write off!

Everything is a little crazy in the new house at the minute as we're still dealing with the aftermath of my twenty first birthday party (post to follow soon!) and as I don't currently have a working laptop I'll be using other people's computers whenever I can snatch a moment. Hopefully you'll be all caught up with my mildly interesting life soon enough. I'm still hoping to update the whole blog too, make it look a little prettier and exciting for your viewing pleasure.


Oh, and I finally braved dip-dying my hair a beautiful shade of mermaid.
I love it, I don't care if I'm three seasons too late for the craze.

p.s Happy 52nd birthday to my beautiful mami today!

2 August 2012

Hello there patient followers, remember me?

So much has happened and I have so many stories to tell, but unfortunately I don't yet have internet in my brand shiny new house (I currently speak to you from my parents' pad). Thought I'd pop up here with a handful of promises, that I will be back and blogging regularly in about a month when this crazy summer is over and normality sets back in. Going to give the blog an autumn-clean and a little makeover then treat you to catching up with my life. Sorry for being absent, if you want to keep up to date in the mean time I'm a happy tweeter from my phone, @TashaFranek and I follow all the fun people back. Hope everybody is having a really good summer, peace and love.

21 June 2012

A quick post before I dash off to catch a coach to London, and then later one to the Isle of Wight.


I'm working, so I won't be able to pick and choose which bands I can see - other than to beg for a break or to be let off early. My hot picks are Lana Del Rey in the big top, The Pierces on the Garden Stage and of course, Saturday's headliners, Pearl Jam. I'll tell you all about it when I'm home!

14 June 2012

 
 Three of my favourite things about being home alone are, lazing around in my knickers, talking to myself and exersising without anybody else around to see how unfit I am. So this afternoon I decided to act on the latter, tossing my hair into quick plaits and putting my amazing cycle shorts to some use. I bought them from COW Vintage a couple of months back with every intention to join the gym, but as I'm still poor I'm having to make do with my own home regime. I used to take limbering classes, back when I was a dancer, so I've decided to start trying to get my flexibilty back and use some of those exercises.

I wanted to buy a giant over sized 70s print vest to go with these vibrant lycras, but for now stealing a plain one from the fella will have to do. I believe it's from H&M, one of my favourite things to borrow as it's super soft and fits just the way I want it to.


 Later I plan to do another twenty minutes or so of flex, watch the euros, and read some more. I'm about half way through Jack Kerouac's On The Road and it's brilliant. Anybody who likes travel writing, or has the remotest dream of seeing America should definitely pick it up.

13 June 2012


Spent yesterday in York, catching up with the bff. Everything has gotten really hectic since uni broke up, even though I'm not actually working that many hours. I know how badly I need a second job but finding the time to actually look for one is proving more difficult that imagined. She, however, is doing 40 hour weeks in Whitby, so it was nice to be able to catch up and do a bit of shopping. She bought a pair of creepers some great Joplin style sungalsses and some benefit foundation, while I stuck to gazing into shop windows and trying on litas - super jealous, but she is working harder than I am.

We stopped at the most adorable tea room, although one of the waitresses took an immediate disliking to us, I don't think they often get "youths" in there. The intention was to also have a bite to eat later on, but time got the better of us so we're saving that for our next date.


My rent for the new house comes out one week today, and I am completely dreading it - I'm going to have to borrow some extra cash from my parents then be in their debt along with my bank and student finance. Everything is so damn expensive, I really wish money just fell from the sky. I've posted my first four sold ebay items so I should see the money from that really soon and then I'll list some more, I can see myself getting hooked! I do need to shake off some stuff, and as I'm starting to pack up this little house now, I'm getting a chance to see quite how much rubbish I have, that could potentially become another person's treasure.

8 June 2012


Wednesday with my parents and brother, was absolutely wonderful. I met them at Meadowhall, still one of my very favourite places, regardless of the fact that the novelty factor has worn off now, living so close. We started out in the huge food court, where I had a jacket potato covered in mushroom and spinach korma - amazing. We then spent some quality family shopping time, scowering the best shops that South Yorkshire has to offer. And as if Meadowhall wasn't already fantastic enough, it now has my favourite high street store in the whole world, Urban Outfitters. The "coming soon" sign has been tempting me for months and months so when I saw that it was actually open, I practically ran through the doors! I literally could have spent a million pounds in there, but as I'm stoney broke I prepared myself to leave the store empty handed - though this was not the case! My absolutely fabulous mother treated me to a pair of summer shoes, shades and this pretty printed shirt. I also picked up the Barry M lip paint that I'm wearing above, it's shade 100. I've been looking for a baby pink colour for a while and I finally made a decision on that one. After we were all stocked up on goodies, we headed back to the house, via my work for a couple of drinks and the local chinese take-away for food. Always sad when they leave but we have a day trip to the dales planned for Sunday already, so I won't have to miss them too much.


 Can't wait for the sunshine to come back out so I can wear these out!

The battery on my Canon has died and for the life of me I don't remember what I've done with the charger so yesterday's look comes from my rubbish Fujifilm - you can desperately tell. It was also pouring down with rain at the time so all in all, it's not brilliant. Today the only productive thing I've managed so far is to bake a rice pudding (which is amazing), so I think I'm going to get started on packing. Can't believe how soon I'm moving into the new place!




7 June 2012

TUNNELVISION.

WEST END GIRLS.
 Check out the rest of the images from this amazing online vintage store's LookBook here.
Perfect.

5 June 2012


Despite the weather turning from bad to worse, I've been feeling pretty summery today - or more to the point, festival-y. It's not really a very special or inspiring outfit but it catered for my mood! It's only two weeks until I work Isle Of Wight, then another couple until T in the Park and although Latitude is now sadly off the cards, I still have my hopes on going to at least one, on the right side of the bar. 



I've lost my ebay selling virginity today and listed 5 items, eee exciting. Feel free to check them out here;
If these all go well then I'll spend next week throwing my whole wardrobe online.

Tomorrow Mami and Papi are coming over to Sheffield, I think we're headed for a bit of shopping at Meadowhall and hopefully something tasty to eat. For now I have a cup of tea and a space on the sofa with my name on them, ready to snuggle up and watch Rango, we're such kids.

I know, I know, I'm supposed to be saving. But tell me how I was supposed to resist an offer like a student plus one membership to the showroom cinema for only £40. I love independent cinemas, and I'm very lucky here in Sheffield to have a brilliant one.
http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/

My membership means £1 off every ticket, points which add up to free tickets, 10% discount on food at the bar and loads of other treats that crop up every now and again. The plus one part basically means that I can take somebody else along with me who gets the same loyalties. And as I don't often go to the cinema alone I figured that would be handy - plus it saved me having to buy Nathan his own membership! You also get two free tickets for signing up so we used them up on The Angels' Share, a Ken Loach film which I fell in love with when I watched the trailer. It sure didn't disappoint.


I actually caught the trailer at another fantastic film I saw recently, Moonrise Kingdom from the director of Fantastic Mr Fox, Wes Anderson. Another brilliantly heartwarming film, I definitely suggest that if you have the chance you should go and watch them both.


I'm hoping that now I'm a member, or a "Soulmate" as it's called (adorable), I'm hoping I'll treat myself to cinema trips much more frequently and get to watch plenty more films like these. There is definitely something magical about catching a film at the cinema, such a luxury. Saying that, my DVD collection is forever growing and I don't think my habit of picking up desperately cheap films is going to stop anytime soon. 

Also if you follow my twitter you may have caught the next thing I am desperate to catch at Showroom. 
I need to book really quickly if I want to go and see it as they're almost sold out now. A little more expensive than your usual film but what an idea! I'd love to see both showings, to compare how they do each role. I love it so much as it toys with the idea of who is really the monster, one of the main themes I picked up from the novel. Both brilliant actors too so I'm sure it'll be amazing. If I do miss it, I'll be praying that they bring it out on DVD super fast!

4 June 2012



Happy Jubilee to you all!
I haven't actually been to any jubilee themed events, as I've been busy working all weekend, but I decided I'd get a little into the spirit with my red, white and blue outfit. I'm intending to litter my lookbook this week so you'll get to see lots of photos of my very limited wardrobe.


I've never even been any good at painting my nails, let alone fancy nail art, but I thought I'd give it an effort. Smudgy and messy, but not bad to say I have no nail art pens and hands as shakey as an alcoholic. The blouse I'm wearing is the one I won on ebay recently - I love it so much as there is loads you can do with it and it's really summery and light. Fingers crossed the sunshine will come back out soon and I'll need it to cover my sunburnt shoulders once again.



I borrowed both the red nail varnish and shoes from my housemate Amy, who's birthday it is today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HER!! I hope she doesn't mind me prancing about in her wedges, but I thought it would complete my jubilee look as I don't tend to wear anything red usually - other than lipstick. You can tell they are a bit big, I look like I'm trying to walk around in Mummy's heels when I wear them. Also the photos show off my most recent silly DIY tattoo, the little bow and arrow.  Nathan's tattoo gun came out to play whilst Jack and Sophie were over, and we spent a fun evening drinking and giggling. The boys got matching tattoos which me and Sophie intend to get eventually, once she's had a real one - I didn't want to do her very first tattoo! Nathan also went over the little dagger that he did last year, and managed to scratch me a good'un. They may be rubbish but I like that fact that they're super personal and will be with me forever, whatever happens.

21 May 2012


Less than 24 hours 'till the big exam and I'm still clueless. Turns out I only need 35% to pass which does make things a little easier but still need to buckle down today. Regardless of how little revision got done yesterday, I was right that it was a good day, I won two tickets to Alton Towers on ebay for only £14.50, what a steal! Sophie and I are going on Sunday and I absolutely cannot wait. I'm such an adrenaline junkie, so theme parks are my favourites. I used to visit Alton Towers often with my ex, but I haven't been in absolutely ages, excited just is not the word. Nathan is super jealous so as soon as I can I'll buy another pair and show him the sights (bros before hoes). I also got a really cute polkadot shirt which will no doubt make its debut on Sunday.

 Other things I've been doing instead of revising include; eating a huge amount of pringles, bidding on creepers that I'm never going to win, being hilarious with Sophie, loads of playing, watching terrible TV shows, listening to really good music and falling madly in love with THePETEBOX.
 He's so sweaty and beautiful and talented, what a dreamboat.





20 May 2012

I've woken up today with a spring in my step, feeling a million times better than I did yesterday. You know those days where everything just seems to be crashing around you? I had one of those, combined with a really nasty hangover yesterday - thank you Propaganda. I feel good vibes from today already.


My exam is in two days and I haven't even started my revision/learning so the next two days are reserved for just that. Sophie should be coming over soon to keep me company and do some learning with me. Fingers crossed Amy will come home and join us too so we can have a big girly revision session. I might even nip back to the shops for baking material, revision muffins? I've definitely developed a small obsession for baking muffins.

Time to engross myself in 18th Century Literature, lucky girly. I can't wait to wave goodbye to this module, even though it does mean that my second year is over. Terrifying how fast university is going, I need to start making some serious life plans. All I really want to do is see the world and write about it.

18 May 2012

 
Look how absolutely stunning my grandparents are. If only I'd have gotten a chance to meet them properly. I wish I could go back in time to this very picture, meet, drink and dance with them - I'm sure we'd have a ridiculous amount in common. My Mum has always said I get my musical side from my Grandad, I'd love to know what other traits I've taken from them. She also told me that although they didn't share very much in common with one another that they were wonderful dancers and loved to dance together. How beautiful is that? This is one of very few photos I've ever seen of them together and I love it. I think it dates around the mid 50s, the first place I'd visit if I could, although there aren't many eras I don't favour to my own.

Always in our hearts Nanny Curly and Grandad, I hope I'm doing you both proud
June Kearley (1930 - 1998) and Ronald Beechey (1929 - 1996)

16 May 2012


No more assignments left for year two, what a sigh of relief. This last week has been pretty crazy, all-nighters filled with doing last minute work, arriving at the library before I'm usually even thinking about being awake, then catching up on my sleep by not waking up 'til mid afternoon. Fingers crossed my body clock is all back in shape now and I'm ready for this last stretch of revision, work and having fun with my besties before they all start heading home for the summer! :( I haven't even thought about when I'm heading home other than on the 24th of this month for my baby brother's big 18th, oh my god.

I took these photos last night just before heading to the pub to catch the Huddersfield Town match. Since working at the punchbowl I'm becoming a little bit more in-the-know with the football, much to my father's satisfaction. Nathan is a secret avid town fan so I thought I'd treat him to a couple of pints, while I drank up some of mine that I have paid in. There are still a good handful left so I might pop back in tonight if Jack ends up coming round for one of our infamous gin nights.



Cow Cropped Shirt, H&M Jeans, Topshop Frilled Socks, Topshop Hat, Ebay Choker, Pandora Charm Bracelet

You get a decent view of my arm tattoos in these photos - the owl head on my right bicep and peace sign with a dove in the center on my left forearm. I have a few other smaller ones scattered about my body but I'm gasping for loads more. Once I've paid out everything I need to this summer first on my treat list is definitely some more ink. Loads of ideas are in the pipeline, I just have to prioritise them and find out how much they'd set me back. At least then I'd have something to show for all of this hard work! I also have a few hand shake agreements to get matching ones with friends. I know loads of people who think this is a stupid idea but what's wrong with having a perminent reminder of somebody that you care about? 



Now Listening to: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

9 May 2012


My head is filled with explosions of monochrome.
Wish me luck for getting my work done and handed in before work tomorrow at 4pm, eek.