A little while ago I was tagged in an award post by one of my favourite bloggers Casee Marie over at The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower. I can only apologise for the fact that I am totally and completely awful at responding to these sorts of posts. For some unknown reason, giving and receiving such awards requires far more organisation and planning that I am usually able to muster, and for this I am deeply sorry.

However, Casee Marie’s request that I list ’10 things I Like’ does sound like fun so here goes….
1. Audrey Hepburn (obviously) – I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love her to be honest. The first time I watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a seminal moment in my life and Audrey’s style, grace and elegance is, and always will be, a major influence.

2. Old movies – My dear Dad was a film editor (and a great one at that… a BAFTA nominee no less). He loved film and cinema and a large dose of his passion certainly rubbed of on me and my sister. Even as very small children he had us watching classic Hollywood movies. He usually provided an in depth commentary about the editing/cinematography/direction/the films wider impact on Hollywood and film making in general. Anyway, my love for old movies has never waned, I just prefer them really. I suppose they provide the ultimate escapism, not only transporting you to another place but also another time.3. Baking – So you all know I love to bake. It’s such a simple pleasure, so very therapeutic and you get to eat cake at the end of it all!4. Shoes – I adore shoes, I really do. I can’t resist a pretty pair of heels, peep-toe being my preference, and I’m a sucker for ballet pumps al la Audrey. I have an obscene number of shoes but every time I glance at my collection I smile, shoes just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

5. The 1980s (and all that went with it) – I have to admit I’m with Calvin on this one. Mr. LA and I get ridiculously nostalgic for the 80s…. the films, the toys, the television, the food. Is it just us, or was everything so much cooler back then? We cruelly force our children to watch old 80s cartoons (Heman and Shera, Jem & The Holograms etc) and play with 2nd hand My Little Ponies bought from eBay. Nothing cheers me up like watching Back To The Future for the millionth time and sometimes I watch the Toys R Us ad on YouTube just so I can sing along.

6. Cocktails – Not only do I love making and drinking cocktails I also owe them a lot. I was working as a waitress in cocktail bar (it’s really hard not break into song as I type that phrase) when I met Mr. LA. Although he worked as a chef in the kitchen most of the time, he was also a fabulous bar tender, my very own Tom Cruise!

7. Being a mum – Soppy I know, but true. It goes without saying that I adore my children but I also just love mothering them. I get so much pleasure from doing things for them and with them. They really make you see the world in a different way. Besides, they say the funniest things. Just the other morning it emerged that Isabel had told her drama teacher that her Daddy makes adult films! Mr. LA was mortified! Of course all she meant was that he made films for grown-ups as opposed to children! There’s no denying that motherhood is an incredibly tough job but ultimately it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
8. Red lipstick – I have such a weakness for red lippy, I just can’t resist it! It makes me feel glamorous and feminine and polished. I find it amazing that it can transform my face and my mood so completely and I love the fact that people notice you when you wear red lipstick (not in a weird pervy way, just in ‘oh, doesn’t she look striking’ kind of a way). Dita has to be my favourite contemporary wearer of red lipstick.

9. London – It still feels like home even though I’ve been living in Devon for almost 5 years. I miss it like crazy. Sometimes I even find myself longing for the hour long commute on the Piccadilly line that I used to endure every day.
10. Dresses – I don’t just like dresses, I LOVE them! They have to be the simplest way to dress. There’s no need to worry about which top to wear with this or which trousers go with that shirt, you just slip your dress on and (bar choosing a pair of shoes) you’re done! Of course, I’m on the ultimate dress mission at the moment trying to find the perfect frock for my wedding day!

Do feel free to share 10 things you like in the comments!

Loveaudrey xxx