Wednesday 12 November 2014

CHARITY CHALLENGE: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro | No comments:

IT'S OFFICIAL! Team Caplan are embarking on their newest and arguably toughest challenge yet, to climb MOUNT KILIMANJARO - the world's tallest free-standing mountain standing at a staggering 5895 metres (19,341 feet) tall. WHY? All for SHALVA! I'm an adrenaline-junkie and total thrill-seeker with a bucket list stretching to infinity, but, whilst I enjoy pushing myself to new limits (or heights!) it wouldn't be worth it unless I was raising money for the charity closest to my heart and making a difference, a REAL difference.







SHALVA, the Association for Mentally and Physically challenged children in Israel, is dedicated to providing quality care for children with special needs, empowering their families, and promoting social tolerance. Non-denominational and free of charge , SHALVA's programs provide care from infancy to adulthood. The organisation's advocacy initiatives, community events, and disability research continue to inspire a more inclusive society.

I visited SHALVA back in March and it was beyond inspiring to see how full of joy the children of SHALVA really are, it really is just breathtaking. As I walked through what feels like a home, not an institution, I was greeted with smiles larger than life; the children took my hand and held it with love and even treated me to an enchanting sing song. You see, it is hard to imagine what the quality of life is like when facing such difficulties, either mentally, physically or both! Yet each and every child shows this beautiful love for life, and it makes you feel a sense of regret for when we moan about such meaningless woes in our everyday lives. Life really is too short and the children of SHALVA are living proof that anyone can achieve their dreams. For more information check out the SHALVA website where you can read about Yossi's story and many others.

SHALVA has given me this burst of energy and I feel so enlightened by all that they do, in fact all of these challenges on my bucket list suddenly seem doable, because I am not talking about 'seeing the northern lights' which is right at the top, I'm talking about the challenges that push you to do things you never thought you could... I never... NO ONE ever thought I would be able to run a marathon (see post here) and guess what I almost gave up! I ran for part of the race with this amazing man, a father to a child who is part of SHALVA. We ran together for the most of 5k, and he spoke of his journey, joys and struggles of having a child with special needs. It was this man that really made me appreciate how much SHALVA do not only for the child, but also for the parent. I didn't manage to meet this man again, but I hope to re-connect one day again on another visit to Israel. You see, these extreme challenges aren't worthwhile without a cause to raise money for. Without SHALVA I'm not sure I would have had the want or need to complete such a challenge and yet I'm doing it all over again in March 2015.




In addition to this, I get to complete each challenge as part of two teams; Team SHALVA and Team Caplan. I will continue and aim to complete each challenge with my best friend and my own inspiration, my father. It really is amazing to share all these life-changing challenges the big AC (Adam Caplan aka DAD) and I don't want to stop! The feeling of pushing yourself beyond limits and discovering your mind is more powerful than ever believed is honestly life-changing - I am not only raising money for the cause close to my heart, I am also learning things about myself and growing as a person in the process, I don't want to and will not stop SO ONTO MY LATEST CHALLENGE OF CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO!!!

TEAM CAPLAN! OH YARRRR

Excited just doesn't even do it justice and this allows Team Caplan to raise A LOT, in fact £10,000 A LOT of money for SHALVA. This money will go towards the new children's centre in Jerusalem and also to research as well as bettering facilities so that more children can stay and even come from other countries around the world, allowing parents have that time to wind-down. Offering overnight stays and extensive leisure facilities, the list is endless. Hence why I am dedicating this year to training for the marathon in March and preparing myself for an emotional journey to summit.

The New SHALVA children's centre opening 2015!







If you would like to stay posted with our journey then check out our regular updates and blogs on our Team Caplan website: www.teamcaplan.co.uk

I will be vlogging in the lead up and also be keeping a vlog during my trek! :) NOT FORGETTING THE GO PRO!

All donations welcome...and if you want to join us on the summit THEN JOIN OUR TEAM!!!
Contact me for more details :)

Kisses,
 
Bea {x}

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Goodbye Gluten! | No comments:

"I'm gluten intolerant!", "No Way! Me too!" I often find myself having the same conversation again and again... like a broken record. Why? Because literally everyone in this modern day society is intolerant to either wheat, gluten or dairy or in my case ALL THREE. Recently, I took myself to the doctor to be tested for Coeliacs Disease, except the results came back negative showing I have Non-Coealiac Gluten sensitivity and what a bloody nuisance it is indeed! The funny thing is, many people think it's all nonsense and that gluten sensitivity and intolerance's don't exist...others may just be like 'you just have IBS' but arguably, I don't host those side effects such as irritable bowel problems so I beg to differ. Plus, for me, food elimination has literally changed my life for the better so laterz haterzzz!


Healthy Brunching

The Dreaded Side Effects:

- Severe bloating - YES I look pregnant, honestly SO cute when you're in a bikini on the beach. As someone who doesn't take herself too seriously, I can't help but laugh about it and whilst it is quite funny, it can make me feel self conscious and it's uncomfortable when you're clothes are digging into you...especially tights! Dolls, you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.

- Drowsiness - ZZZzzzzZZZZzzz! After indulging in bread or pasta, I find it extremely hard to keep my eyes open. When you're at work this is not ideal - NO it is not because I was out gallivanting last night, it's usually because I couldn't resist the toast at breakfast or ate that damn pasta! 
 
Cuddles with Princess always make me feel better PS. My hand, dare I call it that, looks like a pigs trotter. Oh dear..

- Stomach cramps - So lets be honest we all get them and they're not fun, so when you're getting them ALL the time its frustrating.

The cure? THERE ISN'T ONE! GREAT. So, I have taken it upon myself over the last year to completely change my diet using food elimination;  and can I just say OH MY it actually is life-changing! So for any of my fellow dolls suffering with similar side effects GET INVOLVED!

Flora Tea - I picked this little gem up at the Ideal Home Show - For all you green tea lovers out there TOTAL LOVE!

Firstly, I started by eliminating bread and pasta completely. Bread and Pasta are the bulk of many meals, and some delicious ones at that but I have remained strong. I then went to cut out most carbs and minimised my dairy intake. Here is a list of foods that I have eliminated from my diet:

- Bread
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Potato (I now eat sweet potato instead)
- Milk (I allow myself one skinny (skimmed milk) latte a day and drink black coffee otherwise, due to not eating cereal there's no need for milk, however this doesn't effect me a substantial amount due to my consumption being minimal)
- Cheese (I do eat cheese but only rarely, or when I am treating myself e.g pizza)
- Foods containing wheat


Last nights dinner - Blog post to follow

You can't go wrong with these... TOO GOOD

This is one of my favourite experimental dishes using my Spiralizer - I will upload the recipe for you dolls NOM NOM NOM

COURGETTI/ZOODLES are the best substitution for Pasta! Created using a Spiralizer - pop in salty boiling water and simmer for 1 minute

Being only human, I sometimes can't resist and will treat myself to lets say a Pizza (especially on those putrid hangovers). However, on the bright side, due to the rise of intolerance's in the UK, most Pizza restaurants such as Pizza Express now offer Gluten Free bases. BOOM! In the case that there is no Gluten Free option, I just have to pay the price for indulgence but I can live with that. My colleague at work often has a go at me if I even dare try...I always thank her later as for the times that I don't, I find myself in that awful state of what feels like - sleep deprivation.

OK so... meet my weakness. ZIZZI's Rustica Piccante Pizza, this gigantic slate of devilishness doesn't come with a Gluten Free base.. UH OH!

Why is this relevant you ask?

In conclusion my Darling Dolls, I have decided to start blogging about my experiments with food and cooking adventures since going Gluten Free, with the hope of inspiring others with similar problems to my own. I haven't only lost a stone and a half, I am now benefiting from increased energy levels, EVEN happier moods and most importantly the side effects have stopped. OH YAR. I have never felt this positive and I have this new-found love for cooking, I am forever inviting friends over to try my new recipes and I don't even miss those nasty carbs that caused me so much bother. I have dropped almost 2 dress sizes through eating healthy and exercising. Those who know me are probably thinking that I couldn't love life even more than I already do now...well guess bloody what... I DO! Loves it!


Kick Boxing is my new favourite sport (Bitches take yourselves to Bitchboxing at GYMBOX). SO take THAT gluten. BOSH!

I hope you enjoy my recipes and I would love to hear from YOU! If you have similar problems get in touch and please feel free to share any recipes that you may have!! Ready. Steady. Cook. (...okay so that totally just sprung to mind as a sort of pun but I am now definitely going to plan a Ready.Steady.Cook night! TOTAL LOVE!)


Kisses,

Bea {x}

Monday 27 October 2014

This Girl Got Plaid | No comments:





The Flannel. As they like to call it across the pond in the USA is a plaid (tartan) shirt and a must-have item this season...if not always. Never heard of the term flannel? Well neither had I until recently. To me a flannel is a small square piece of towelling that you use to wash your face, and most definitely belongs in the bathroom. But....as usual I learnt the hard, if not hilarious way...

My fellow doll from America, Kat was visiting London from San Francisco when we decided to go to Lovebox Festival. Kat rings me up like 'Bea! I'm going to take my flannel...I think it's essential' So me being an absolute ditz... I pack what us Brits refer to as a 'flannel'. Except we both had completely different ideas about what a flannel actually was.

I will never forget the moment I whipped out that face cloth to be like 'I GOT MY FLANNEL BITCH'... oh my we literally laughed about that for so long! Missing you!

For today's look I opted for all black errrythanng...yes I love black and will stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour. Black can be a bit depressing sometimes, mainly in the daytime if it's not broken up by colour. All black at night is totally acceptable somehow, but in the daytime it's just not alright. So try tying a plaid shirt around your waist to add colour and style. I love this look, and I even added this Rose Quartz necklace, my latest purchase from Urban Outfitters. TOTAL LOVE.

This is a new look that I have put together and I love it, I would say it is effortlessly stylish. When it comes to causual dressing, I tend to always dress up! I CAN'T HELP IT! I am not one for wearing just jeans and a tee...and well I barely EVER, if not, never wear trousers. So for me this look is perfect and there are lots of different patterns and textures; from ribbed material to velvet and my leggings are verging on neoprene which i'm sure Alexander Wang would be very proud of.

PS. Sorry for the poor quality pictures... I've had to resort to iPhone selfies until I get my camera back... literally lost without it! Boo Hoo.

WHAT I WORE:
Plaid Shirt - Zara
Velvet Cropped Top - Urban Outfitters
Biker Leggings - Zara
Boots - Topshop
Ribbed Crop Jumper - H&M
ACCESSORIES:
Frilly Socks - Topshop
Rose Quartz Necklace - Urban Outfitters
Choker (Part of a 3-part set) - FREEDOM for Topshop
 
Kisses,
Bea {x}
 
 
HEY DOLLS! CHECK OUT MY FEATURE ON STYLE ICONA HERE BY CLICKING MY STYLE ICONA BADGE (RED BUTTON) TO THE RIGHT --->

Friday 24 October 2014

Twenty One | No comments:

The big 2-1. I am now officially an adult yet somehow, I can't help feeling that I still don't have to behave like one. Every birthday I like to reflect on the year that I've had and I can't help but feel so fortunate and grateful for everything and everyone's support this year! The year of being 20...to me turning 20 was like OH CRAP okay life is really starting now, no longer a teenager and all that - but in hindsight I have had one of the best years of my life!


This year I have accomplished so much, here are some of my highlights:

- I founded The Sartorial Doll
- I got the job at Rolex HQ
- I ran my first marathon in Jerusalem, Israel for SHALVA (Time: 4Hours 18Minutes)
- I registered to run the 2015 Jerusalem Marathon for SHALVA
- I founded the SHALVA 2015 Mount Kilimanjaro climb taking place October 2015
- Raised over £3000 for SHALVA children's charity
- Interviewed by the Jewish News
- Awarded Style Icona of the Day and featured in their October issue online magazine

My involvement with Shalva Children's charity has been such a special part of my year and will continue to be close to my heart forever. It was so wonderful being able to raise such a great amount of money for such a beautiful cause and I have become a part of something so amazing. When I was in Israel I managed to meet all the children and I put forward the idea of getting a team together to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Shalva and... it's OFFICIAL. I will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2015 with my father; as well as friends of Shalva from Israel, New York and Canada....I CAN'T WAIT!





Meet Georgie Ricks, one of my more hilarious friends - If you have a birthday/night out coming up and want complementary tables, alcohol & entry in Chelsea's top nightclubs call Georgie on 07907593956
 My friends are too cute, on my actual birthday they arranged a surprise dinner for me and it was perfect. I had already arranged my big party in the next coming weeks, booking out the Penthouse Suite of All Star Lanes in Brick Lane and couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday! We all indulged in a lovely dinner and then headed to Layla's; a local Lebanese cocktail shisha bar and restaurant where we drank our body-weight in Champagne. We then headed off to Esher's most recent bar/nightclub Bisoux Lounge where we were joined by more friends. I was spoilt rotten from hoards of clothes and shoes to Bvlgari earrings and sentimental gifts from my darling dolls!

My BFF Maria made me this montage of us.  TOTAL LOVE!



My mother bought me this gorgeous leopard print blouse from Zara...TOTAL LOVE! It is so chic and fitted perfectly with my American Apparel, Lamb skin A-line skirt, so obviously I made an outfit change before heading out to continue the parday!  I'm not usually a fan of leopard print, as I feel sometimes it can look tacky and often looks better on blonde's BUT this is an absolute fave. The collar is obviously amazing as it's large and a great shape, perfect for accessorising with my Chanel brooch. The cuffs which you will see in some of my other photos are tight around the wrists making for a perfectly fitted blouse.

My friend Charlie bought me this bouquet of exotic flowers..unique and unusual just like me! Total Love! Thanks Doll



My cake... OH MY GOD MY CAKE. Honestly, it was amazing, I just can't deal. We all know I am so completely obsessed by everything Chanel. I was so happy when this little gem when it was brought to me with sparklers and champagne...can you tell by the look on my face? Thank you so much Mummy! The detailing was incredible and it even trumped my 18th birthday cake, which can I say was also incredible. My 21st birthday cake was a chocolate gateaux made up on 7 layers of choccie cake and buttercream NOM NOM NOM.

My 18th Birthday cake was also pretty amazing! Thank you Mum!


George is my heart and soul - without him life would be dull - Meet my GBF

Girl Power: Gorgeous Mummy, Me and my beautiful sister Lucy

Mum's lovely BF richard made sure the champagne was constantly flowing....



Mummy even came out for drinks after dinner and partied with us all till gone 1am... shock horror ;)

Me and my two bestest friends George and Maria. TOTAL LOVE


 
 
WHAT I WORE:
 
White Shirt/Leopard Print Blouse - Zara
Lamb Skin Leather Skirt - American Apparel
Pearl Belt - Zara
Shoes - Miu Miu
Brooch Chanel -
Handbag - Gucci 'Soho Disco Bag'
 
Kisses,
 
Bea {x}

Monday 29 September 2014

OUT AND ABOUT: Goodwood Revival: Festival of Speed | No comments:

As we blare Klingande's 'Jubel' out of the sound system with saxophone's ringing in our ears, windows down, smiles in tact; my father and I meandered our way down the country lanes of Chichester for the very sought-after motoring event of the year: Goodwood Revival. For those of you who are unfamiliar; Goodwood Revival: Festival of Speed is a reflection of the motorcar/motorcycle racing that took place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit between the years of 1948-1966.

My father and I were extremely fortunate to have been invited to attend Goodwood Revival as guests of Maserati. Well...it was definitely all you could have imagined. As we arrived at the Goodwood Country house, which had primarily been taken over by Maserati, we were greeted by many friendly faces. Amongst them were all sorts of interesting people, a great networking event for me. I met a two wonderful young tailors from Oxford who were able to share with me their extensive knowledge on tailoring. Whilst I haven't done many tailored posts recently, I am infatuated with sharp tailoring hence 'Sartorial', making this meet and greet very educational for myself.








After casual mutterings over teas and coffees and even a few cheeky pastries we were picked up by our Chauffeur and off we went. After exploring the circuit, watching a few races and exploring the retro village my father and I headed back to the country house for the champagne reception, followed by lunch.
























So lunch... a bit too rich for my liking... but I wasn't complaining. We left with a goodie bag (of course) and left with huge smiles on our faces.....until we hit 4 hours of traffic that is.. if you go; I would plan your journey home, stopping for Dinner somewhere in the country whilst the traffic dies down would be ideal.



Goodwood Revival is a fabulous day out, with everyone getting into the spirit of things by dressing up in period costume during the 40s-60s. The motor circuit is spectacular equipped with a movie-set village which is reflective of the 50s era. There are endless activities to do, choose to jive away to some 50s classics or wander the vintage stalls, enriched with divine furs and vintage clothing, along with hat stalls (this is where I was in Fedora heaven...shame my bank account wasn't so forgiving) and vintage sunglasses. I managed to spot out these beauties. Alike to the Wildfox design, I was able to pick these up for £20, which I bartered down to £15. Yet again, a bargain buy for me.... WINNING!



So onto the most important part of all: FASHION (OBVIOUSLY...)




As a true Fashionista I become mirthfully captivated when historical fashions resurface with such effortlessness and craft. I am absolutely inspired by everything pertinent to the fashions of the late 40s with the advances of the unadorned pre-war rags of WWII to the prosperity of post-war riches. This movement saw rags turn into beautifully rich and flowing silks, wools and duchess satins. Dominating the 40s with his creation of the hour-glass silhouette, Christian Dior had fabricated a feminine collection which accentuated the womanly curves of the female body, a collection which he called Corelle ‘Flower Woman’ was later distinguished as ‘The New Look’. As soon as I received my invite....I knew this was going to be one hell of a ball!
What I Wore:
Dress - Zara
Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag
Mary-Jane Shoes - Topshop
Belt - Moschino
Mink Fur Shawl - VINTAGE:This was handed down to me, when my friend Georgia's nanna passed away...they passed this down to me and I am eternally grateful! It is just gorgeous!
Kisses,
Bea {x}