best of buttons

Sunday walks

2012-02-27T13:51:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure what's come over me lately but I seem to want to exercise more, it may be the reality of having eaten a GIANT chocolate bar and then trying to hide the 'evidence' in my desk. It's pretty pointless hiding stuff from yourself!! I guess I'm a bit of a hoarder (don't read that word too quickly!!), I hoped I'd escaped the genetic downfall of keeping hold of useful rubbish...maybe not. Anyway, I am digressing...this Sunday dj and I went for a lovely country stroll and found many horses along the route. Some horses would pose for my camera and others just wanted to get their noses on the lens...anyhow, when I get the chance I'll post some pics of the nosey mares!! I hope you had a lovely weekend. Xx

Oh little kitty cat...

2012-02-20T13:10:00.001-08:00

Oh to be a cat! This little one looks like she is very happy, she's made herself at home. She is funny, her name is Felix and I would say she is more like a dog than a cat.

Shopping blues

2012-02-15T11:25:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wander around shops looking for something eager to wear and with arms piled high with clothes wander out again without a single thing?! Well I do, a lot!!! At the moment I'm very inspired by fifties styling and long to wear cute dresses and skip around in a crazy way.
Today I ventured into my local Aladdin's cave aka- tk maxx. I have a long running relationship with that store, as a child I spent a great many holidays in America and one of the highlights was getting a few new clothes!
Alas, no joy for me today I just came away with some velvet hangers...my new discovery! How very rock n roll!

I did stumble across some cool stuff in the 'mod box' though, if only it was proportioned for giant girls...

Dreaming of...

2012-02-15T03:26:00.001-08:00

Holidays, escapes etc! Don't you just love having something to look forward to?! I've been saving my backside off to go somewhere but I have two problems 1) I have no idea where to go and 2) I have no one to go with!
D.J may have some time to spare but with all the exciting things we've got planned it may not happen!
Are you going on holiday or just daydreaming?! X

Happy v day!

2012-02-14T03:10:00.001-08:00

I hope wherever you are you're having a great valentine's day. I don't like the commercial mush but I do love hearts any chance to repeatedly say 'I love you'.
Wherever you are I hope you have a great day : ) xx

Hello gorgeous!

2012-02-07T11:46:00.001-08:00

Loving my camera, looking forward to spending some time taking photos. It is nearly the weekend, woo hoo! Xx

Do you GU?!

2012-02-05T12:19:00.001-08:00

Have you tried GU puddings or chocolates?! I'm a bit of a chocaholic and lover of all things sweet. I didn't think GU could get any better but hello chocolate truffles!! The ones floating my boat are 70% cocoa with a liquid salt caramel centre...tres bien! With packaging so good as well it doesn't feel wrong eating them (p.s eating chocolate is rarely wrong!!)

Let it snow!

2012-02-05T01:35:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year when England shuts down...it's snowing! I hope wherever you are you're wrapped up warm or building an amazing snowman. Bb xx

Watch the birdy!

2012-01-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

I love birds...of the nature variety. I love swallows in particular and once upon a time nearly got a tattoo of one. I also love a bit of this shop, Oliver Bonas.
I've selected a few of my favourites of their birdy wares from their lovely website.

PIP studio, bird cup and saucer £12.50

Dress by POEM, £55

NANCY bird necklace £18

Things I am loving...

2012-01-21T00:51:00.000-08:00

Hello! It has been a long time in blogging standards since my last post. Too much is happening of the not so happy variety at the moment so I thought I'd think on the flip side and post things that are making me happy. I hope you are having a lovely weekend wherever you are and doing all the things that make you smile!

Here goes...

Cooking, watching films (500 days of summer), New Girl (I LOVE Jess...she's so funny), red gerberas (thanks DJ ;) ), vintage jewellery, charity shop bargains, clearing out the bottom of my wardrobe for the first time in 6 months!, smiles, making soup, looking through photography blogs, hearing Emma Case has won an award, magpies, cinnamon room fragrance, cake, tea, new dresses, daydreaming, camera porn a.k.a- checking out which DSLR to buy...still looking!, joining linkedin, clementines, cuddles with the cat and dog, pink wine, sweeties, kisses and hugs from DJ, new starts, daydreaming of holidays, coloured pencils, regina spektor cd's....

Things I am loving...

2012-01-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

Having a little retro animation love moment at the moment and also loving tv...kind of wish I was loving salads, gym and yoga but I'd rather tuck into a bar of chocolate and relax a little at the moment!

The following things are floating my boat at the moment:

The saucy fish co advert, loving the animation!

Patrick Edgely Print, £100 from Heals
New Girl on Channel 4, love a bit of Zooey Deschanel.
The new series of Sherlock on the BBC, great drama.

speak to me technology!

2012-01-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my laptop, phone and camera will not 'talk' to each other, meaning I cannot upload any pictures at the moment so I will have to ramble on without pictures to distract, entertain and ponder upon.
I have just caught up on Eastenders, one of the early Christmas episodes to be exact. I love soaps, I think I'm a bit of a soap addict and I am not ashamed to admit I'd love to be an extra on the show one day...loitering in the market, drinking tea in the cafe or having a swift pint in the Queen Vic. Most colleagues and friends look at my soap habit in disdain, it does not do your street cred a lot of good admitting you love such things if you are into or teach dramatic arts! Still, what is life without a few guilty pleasures.
Speaking of guilty pleasures I also LOVE sweets and chocolate and much to my dentists horror have never been able to curb my hankering for all things sweet and tasty. I got a VERY big tub of red vines for Christmas and man, they are tasty! I had to remove them from my room so I wasn't tempted by a midnight feast. I don't suppose too many English people have had them and I'm still not sure if I'm a twizzlers or red vine girl but I know that my favourite cinnamon treats from America are Big Red chewing gum and I think they're called flaming or hot tamales which are a fiery treat of cinnamon jelly bean goodness....mmmmm! Cinnamon overload.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T02:15:00.001-08:00

Wherever you are I hope you are enjoying day 2 of 2012! There is a lot to look forward to in the UK this year, we have the Queen celebrating her Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic games is coming to town. Although I'm not far from London I think I'll suffice with watching the action on the TV!

What are your hopes and wishes for 2012? I don't tend to make resolutions as I cannot keep them. I am hoping however for a much better year and for lots of exciting things to happen. This is the year I should hopefully get a DSLR and also visit a few new Countries or Cities. I am also hoping to slightly alter my career or change direction altogether.

I think that whatever happens 2012 promises to be a good one! Here's to a happy and healthy New Year.

What do you wish for at Christmas?

2011-12-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year...not for the presents, or the excessive partying or the Christmas jumpers, oh no! I love Christmas because it's when I get to see my family and friends and spend time with loved ones, it also makes me reflect on what I would like to achieve in the coming New Year.
I love giving to others and the look of surprise on faces as they open their presents.

What is your favourite memory of Christmas? I love the retro tunes or a bit of puppini sisters with a cup of hot chocolate (marshmallows, cream and extra chocolate please!)

Have a cool yule everyone and wherever you are and whoever you are with, I hope it is a great one. BettyButtons xxx

Sneak peak at my bookcase!

2011-12-19T02:35:00.001-08:00

Random but I thought I'd share...I have 3 bookcases...on my way to a little library!

Crimbo/winter loveliness...

2011-12-19T02:29:00.000-08:00

What do you love in winter? My list mainly consists of being warm and snuggly. I have a scrumptious fortnight off of work but am surrounded by marking I'm hoping to get out of the way as soon as possible so the festive season can be enjoyed in full frivolity.

Lists, lists, I love lists for making me feel grateful for the great stuff in life:

Laughter, hugs, cats and dogs curled up around me, snuggly warm duvets, piles of blankets, big pillows, long boots, snowflakes, homemade mince pies, catching up with girlfriends, speaking to relatives, long hot baths, reading a book/magazine, cinnamon candles, pine cones, large mugs of tea and buttered toast, mini beauty treatments, friends getting engaged/having babies (how grown up!), films of tv, sleep, wrapping presents, reworking clothes from the wardrobe of doom (it has damp?!!!), lovely christmas cards full of thoughtful words, DJ getting good news, family sized chocolate bars all to myself!, good music, taking photographs, walking the dog, window shopping, childhood memories, daydreaming of warmer days, looking at cookery books and then making beans on toast.

What do you look forward to the most in life? I am looking forward to positive changes next year and perhaps taking a different direction in my career...I have ALWAYS worked in the education sector in some form or another and I'm looking forward to exploring other possibilities...and there are lots of good things to look forward to next year; days out, smiles, laughter, fun and frivolity. I will be blowing away the cobwebs of 2011, the year which has been one of the most topsy turvy of my life. Looking forward to smiling, breathing and getting to grips with life. : )

Word to ya mom!

2011-12-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

Not sure why that's in my head?! Hello and long time no speak. Ooh so cold and yet so excited about the impending joy that is the festive season. The recent combo of slush/ice/snow is putting me in the Christmas mood and also starting to make my survival instincts kick in...this time last year there was so much ice and snow where I was living it felt as though I was trapped in a fortress of ice...fast forward a year and barely any resemblance with the apocolyptic questions of 'do I have enough biscuits and chocolate to see me through a few days in bed?!' No I'm not really that self centred or self indulgent, just a bit of a chocaholic.
Ok, so a few things have been getting me through the rollercoaster of life of late:
D.J (aka knight in shining fiesta!), mum, family dog, cups of chai latte, wrapping Christmas presents, smiles and giggles, beans on toast, photos, seal pups, frozen beaches, impromptu trips to the zoo, Gu sticky toffee pudding, Christmas trees, sleeeeeeep, great comedy films (I highly recommend Horrible Bosses), hearing from distant friends and family, cinnamon candles, fairy lights, IKEA dinner catch up sessions with friends, reading a magazine (albeit a few pages), hot showers, daydreaming of holidays.

What is making your happy list this week?

photos

2011-12-03T02:53:00.001-08:00

music to my ears

2011-12-01T11:35:00.001-08:00

Hello and happy nearly weekend! I thought I'd share some of my favourite songs at the moment. I'd love to post some photos but am having techy issues yet again! Hope you are having a lovely almost weekend. I cannot believe it is the first of December. I am looking forward to saying goodbye to this year, what a rollercoaster (?!!) and saying hello to glorious 2012 and lots of family weddings and happy times...bring it on 2012.

Anniversary, love and stuff!

2011-11-21T07:36:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I gush all the time about how lovely my fella is but it is true and he is one gorgeously romantic soul. He booked up into a hotel roughly a month ago for a little celebration and it was SUPER romantic! Think rose petals on the pillowcase and roll top baths...swoon, I thought I'd died and gone to interior design heaven.
Check this beauty out and if you want to book it check out, Didsbury House

Driving and stuff...

2011-11-21T07:28:00.001-08:00

Not that I'm all for gas guzzling, I'd much rather have a beautiful push bike but living five miles from civilisation means I've come to rely on my little car which I also call 'the mum truck' as it feels far too big for me!
D.J took me to a hotel near Manchester not too long ago and the scenery on the way there, the Peak District was so beautiful I thought I'd share. Sorry for the glare/random shots, they were all taken in a moving car on my phone.

Theatre...

2011-11-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

This may hold interest to some, to others it may mean nothing. I LOVE the theatre...I feel like it is a part of my DNA (very drama queen, I know!). I thought I'd share with you one of my all time favourite theatre companies, their name is KNEEHIGH THEATRE.
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of watching their stage version of Brief Encounter and it is to this day, one of the most awe inspiring and breathtaking pieces of acting I have ever seen.
I did a Drama degree at a Drama School in London and have seen A LOT of theatre performances but this Company just blew me away. If you ever get the chance to see them in action, please take it! (By the way, they do not pay me to say this, I just think they're great! )

Music to my ears.

2011-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Music, oh sweet music. It has carried me through many ups and downs throughout my life thus far and there is always a song for every mood. Music is something that it is embedded in nearly everyone and for me it has been a lifelong affair.

I wanted to share two of my current musical obsessions with you, the first being a band called Tiger Please. Tiger please are an all male bunch of lovely Welsh men who sing with passion and energy unrivalled by most on the gig circuit. Less self indulgent than most bands you may see, the gig I witnessed was rough and ready, raw and full of life. It was nearly a year ago so maybe my memory is a little blurry but what has stayed with me was how nice they were to talk to and their album rarely leaves my car...I have played it until it is nearly worn out.

Another of my favourite albums at the moment is the grogeous Ceremonials by Florence and the Machine, it feels like a familiar sound although it is brand new; it is comforting and exciting all at the same time. I can't quite decide if it is better than Between two lungs, however it is definately different from the last album and in many ways showcases Florence's voice beautifully. It makes me want to dance everywhere I go, heck I may even want to skip!

10 things...

2011-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

10 things rocking my world at the moment:

Catching up with my girly friends and having a spot of lunch and gossip.
Sparkly glittery shoes and dresses...oh to look like a mirror ball!
Hibernation style sleeps...10+ hours...woo hoo!
Snuggling up with D.J on the sofa with a good film.
Chocolate buttons.
Reading a good book (ok, just a chapter!)
My lovely new mustard yellow scarf, thank you H&M for the snuggliest of warm things to save my neck this winter, you rarely fail to be a let down in the accessories department.
Going to the cinema for the first time in ages.
Getting ready for bed at 6pm...just because I can and it's dark!
Dreaming of a white Christmas...just for the pretty factor.

Kurt Geiger heels, £112 @ http://www.asos.com/

That sucks!

2011-11-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

muahahahaha! I know I am sad but I LOVE twilight, far too much for a twenty something...I pretty much went giddy with delight over the trailer on TV for Twilight, breaking dawn...hmm.
It wasn't too much of a surprise that I devoured the books, so easy to read and encapsulated the heart achingly painful phase of teenage crushes and unrequited love. I grew up on a diet of Gothic books with a penchant for Anne Rice and was little bit of a moody, gothic teenager (not that there's anything wrong with that!).
I can't wait, I'll have my popcorn ready for when the time comes...he he he!

100 things that make me smile...happy 100!

2011-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

100 things making me happy at the moment- what is rocking your world/floating your boat?!

10 things...

2011-10-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

10 things rocking my world at the moment...

Vintage bicycles
Winter boots and skirts
Toffee apples
Rolltop bath....growl!
Butternut squash soup
Popcorn and movies
Romantic, secret breaks to a beautiful hotel (Thanks D.j ;) )
Walking through piles of autumnal leaves
Old, antique furniture...mmm
Mustard yellow clothes.

1940's singer @ Stoke Bruerne WW2 Day 2011.

10 things...

2011-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Things beginning with a 'B' for my 10 things rocking my world this week!

Betty's Tea Room
(My) Beautiful Boyfriend
Blogging
(Fellow) bloggers
Ben & Jerry's- phish food/half baked
Buttons- Vintage, love them!
Butterflies
Banana loaf
Bloc Party
Big laughs

Style crushes...

2011-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

If you could style a 'celebrity' who would you pick? I love florence from Florence and the Machine, Rhianna, Adele, Juliette Lewis, Paloma Faith, Dita Von Teese, Lily Cole...the list goes on. I am liking quite a few styling ideas this week, especially Topshop's GLAM ROCKETTE feature and the 1940s inspired shoot in the November issue of GLAMOUR magazine.
To be fair, most days I look like I've dressed in the dark (normally have!) and like I could do with an s.o.s visit from Gok Wan but it's always lovely to have a look at fashion and see what is going on!

Velvet Playsuit- £55, Topshop.

STRUT glitter platforms- £65, Topshop

Playsuit- £50 Topshop (Tall range!! : ) )

Saffi Platforms- £68, Topshop

10 things...

2011-10-11T13:39:00.001-07:00

A weirdly alphabetised version...maybe next week I'll aim for B?!!

1. Acquaintances- old friends that are always there and I’m so grateful to have good friends.

2. Amore- Because what in the world is better than love?

3. Acceptance that we all make mistakes and the past is behind us for a reason.

4. Allergies- Don’t like them, don’t know what it’s too…grr.

5. Applause- I love hand aching applause at the theatre…all together now!

6. Apples- An apple a day and all that, plus they’re quite tasty.

7. Anthropologie- I could spend a whole day in their stores…oh so pretty.

8. Active- Doing a little dancing (ZUMBA) and shaking everything with a cheesy grin.

9. Autumn Colours- rust orange, burnt ochre anyone?

10. Animals- I love our family pet, she’s such a grumpy old pooch but we love her.

Can't wait for Canada...

2011-10-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this time next year I will be writing a post again, blogging about how wonderful my trip to Canada was. Myself and DJ are planning a trip to the beautiful Country next year and I cannot wait, I'd like to see it all. Most of all I'd like to see some grizzly bears and whales in their natural habitats and fill my lungs with clean air and walk until our les feel like jelly. I also LOVE maple syrup and American pancakes which I sometimes make for a cheeky breakfast. Most of all I'm looking forward to not lying on a beach in an almost comatose fashion, as much as that is very much needed at times it's great to see more of the world...so here's hoping for a lovely trip in the future.

Can anyone suggest places to go, things to see?!! Maybe somewhere for some good pancakes?! Xx

p.s- Has anyone else ever had an ALLERGIC reaction to something?!! I feel like scrubbing my skin off at the moment :(

Hello...long time, no speak!

2011-10-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Still having issues at BettyButtons HQ but that won't hold me back. I've got so many ideas in this head of mine right now and feel like I'm heading towards a bit of a career related crossroads but more on that another time so for now I'll settle with a bumper list of things making me happy... please also check out ROCKSTAR DIARIES blog for more 'happy lists'! : )

Vintage clothes, plum lipstick, new ballet flats, toffees and caramels, decent eyeliner, brand new paperbooks, freshly ground coffee, high heels, non scraggly nails (I wish!), sequins, tall playsuits, family dinners, day dreaming, dancing to cheesy tunes, hot choc with marshmallows and cream, lazy days in pj's, curry, sewing, eyeing up vintage furniture, chunky necklaces, squishy warm socks, heritage style clothes, autumn leaves, boys with long eyelashes (DJ yours are cute), colourful shoelaces, reading a great piece of writing, retro sweeties, the smell of my mothers perfume, satsumas, buttermilk and parma violet coloured roses...swoon, fake blingery aka- costume jewellery, impromptu picnics, being driven around like Lady Penelope (aka- not having to drive myself!), guilty pleasure tv, comedy, sunshine, home cooking, dreaming of holidays, plotting naughty weekends away, new bars of soap, dreaming of others happiness, smiles...

Oh, technology!

2011-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't disappeared off of the face of the planet, although it feels like that at the moment! All technology in my life seems to be going haywire. Firstly my watch battery died and then my laptop broke, to finish the week a water bottle in my bag leaked and wrecked my mobile, scary stuff!

I don't think I'm having much luck on the technology front. On another note, how gorgeous is the weather in the UK at the moment?!! I feel like we're getting a refund for some of the awful weather we had at the end of summer.

When normal service is resumed I have some photo's and details to post about a special 1940's event I went to this weekend.

I'll say goodbye for now and hope to sort my blip with technology soon! : ) BettyButtons xx

10 things...

2011-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

10 things on a Tuesday. Once again my brain and laptop are in a confuddle so my wishlist/top ten for this week are:

Sleep and lots of it.
Feather pillows.
Chai Latte.
Memory foam matress toppers....DREAMY!
Berocca Boost...seem to be working so far.
Catching up with my old housemates.
Pink lemonade and strawberries.
Vintage writing bureau's ....mmmmmm
Homemade chocolate cake with sprinkles.
Putting on P.J's early in the evening....just because it's almost Winter!!

Ostrich burger adventure.

2011-09-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday D.J got me to try an ostrich burger...it was tasty! I haven't had any red meat for 6 years so it took some talking around but it was pretty darn tasty. p.s- sorry if you're vegetarian/vegan/ostrich lover.
The main reason for this post is to showcase the cool interior upstairs (Nottingham branch), if I could buy most of the furniture I would!

10 things...

2011-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

A day late...I blame technology! ; )

10 things on a Tuesday that are rocking my world/week.

Cups of steaming hot tea.
Getting good news-
Feeling Lady luck is keeping an eye on those that need it.
Playing eye-spy!
Vintage fairs in the rain with lovely coffee from the back of a VW camper!
Sunday strolls to the tiny but warm local pub
Loving Jen's posts on London (my place of birth) at the ace A Little Bird Told Me
Vintage patterned fabrics.
The autmnal colours of clothes...mmm rusty oranges and reds and camel and turquoise, you will me mine!
Little things that make you laugh or smile when you've had a pants day!

Reds and oranges!

2011-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

mmm....cinnamon, how very tasty. Have I mentioned how much I love cinnamon?! In tea, food, chewing gum, candles, body shimmers...the list goes on. Below are a few of my current favourite things including some cinnamon loveliness!

Belonged to my Grandad.

Thank you D.J! xx

Vintage Parisian Scarf made into a pillow.

Heath&Heather apple&cinnamon tea

BIG Yankee Candle...thank you again D.J! ; ) xx

Thank you

2011-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you for looking at my blog, taking the time to check out my random ramblings. Life has been busy lately but today and hopefully this weekend I will rest, put on oversized fluffy dressing gowns, grab a bag of pick n mix and chill. The weather is rain that stops and starts like a tap! I hope you all have lovely weekends.

Creative journals...

2011-09-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so bed is calling and a good old fashioned stint of sleep is needed- how Rock n Roll! I just wanted to share some images from some diaries I found the other day. They are just a collection of magazine snippets that I used to keep that I felt inspired me in some way. I also try and keep recipes...not that I ever make them!

10 things...

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

My head feels a little bit fuddled today so my 10 things on a Tuesday list is rather a jumble!
The 10 things rocking it for me this week are:

Large cups of steaming tea.
Handmade vintage bunting.
Surprise bursts of sunshine on dreary days.
Pastel coloured tape measures.
Pancakes for breakfast.
The funny noise our family dog makes walking on the carpet.
Chip shop chips from the paper they come in.
Finding out snuggly jumpers in my wardrobe (thank goodness for vacuum packs).
Gladioli- their delicate pastel colours look lovely.
The Hub in Regents Park, my friends party venue.

Happy Tuesday! xx

What will you challenge yourself with?

2011-09-04T03:57:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about setting myself some challenges and goals for the next 6 months or so and seeing if I can achieve them or not. What are your goals or challenges for the future? I'm sure we all have long term ones but if we were to think about the more achievable ones what would they be?

Mine are as follows:

Make something crafty
~~Make friends with an i phone...try and use one!~~ IPad not I phone, I went with an HTC in the end!
~~Go somewhere I've not been before~~ (Country or City...not Universe)
Learn a new language
Do some voluntary work
~~Sort out my finances, savings for a rainy day~~
~~Possibly try red meat again...It's been 5 years so it could be interesting.~~
Spend more time with friends and family
~~Try and figure out what to do with this blog~~
Win some competitions

My reflection on the water in Regent's Park...Scary!

Clothing for giants...err tall girls!

2011-09-03T02:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there are plenty of peole rolling their eyes when tall ladies say ' I can't find anything to wear' and kid you not it is a pain in the backside to find something that a) does not show your muffin top, b) resembles something fashionable, 3) is affordable to mere mortals!

I am roughly 5"10 and a 1/2 in height and am on an eternal quest to find half decent, affordable clothing for taller girls. It's pretty hard to rock a Sz 8 stiletto heel all day so I normally plump for hush puppies if I want some (more) height as they come in lots of psychadellic colours to cheer up a dreary morning. If I do not want to go taller I plump for ballet flats mainly from: New Look, Accessorize or Asda. As for clothes...grr! I think the best affordable range at the moment has to come from New Look. Dorothy Perkins used to be pretty good but for some reason they offer very little now. Topshop do a nice range but I can rarely afford to shop there. Generally Zara and Dorothy Perkins tend to cut their clothes a bit longer and I've heard that Wallis do as well.

Another option and always a favourite is vintage, especially the 1920's and 1970's as its cut a bit longer.

Hold the phone! There is fashion hope out there...

Happy Friday.

2011-09-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

So many things today to be liking and loving!
Vintage tea cups, catching up with friends, surprise love letters, friends having babies, chocolate digestives, antiques hunting, finding old family photographs, colourful rooms, fresh flowers, nice music, late summer sunshine, blackberries in abundance, fresh bedlinen, hot baths, long sleep, comforting messages, laughter...

I LOVE this Ben Howard music video, not only for the soothing music but also for the cinematography...I love the seaside, it has a special place in my heart and this video makes me excited for crisp autumn days.

Sweet and sour

2011-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Life seems to throw in little road bumps, little moments that make you stop and analyse what is really important. What matters most to you: Money, health, love, family, friends, happiness?
Life has thrown some pretty tough things at me, more heartache than most would dream of dealing with in a lifetime.
Why am I still smiling and getting on with things, why am I not wallowing in my p.j's with a supersize tub of ice cream? The answer is love, hope and karma. Love by and for those nearest and dearest to me. Hope that the past is truly behind me and the belief that karma truly exists.

When I want to dance around the living room like a crazy fool I listen to...

2011-09-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

This...

GAGA is worthy of a good crazy dancing workout! A bit of a flashdance stylee...grab your legwarmers or glitter eyeliner and shake what your mama gave you! Also my guilty pleasure is a bit of Nicki Minaj...she is one musical diva!! : ) p.s- I'm a bit of a deaf chick (hearing impaired) and am always on the lookout for some quality head phones...anyone know of any good ones...I like those BIG retro style ones...

yay...magnets!

2011-08-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

I got my lovely Emma Case magnets the other day. I love Emma's photographs, they are stunning. Thanks so much Emma, they are so pretty! x

THANK YOU!!

Jam...chilli jam...nom nom!

2011-08-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the chilli jam is a staple of my homemade Christmas presents but my friend loves it so I made a LARGE batch by doubling the quantities! It is not my recipe but one by the domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, so if you fancy having a go check out the chilli jam recipe. I'd say it's a similar to sweet and sour sauce with a kick of chilli. Also word of warning do NOT, do NOT let it boil over as it sticks to everything, try and find a super large pan.

10 things...

2011-08-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Camping birthday parties.
Themed birthday cakes.
Pickled onion challenge!
Spotting magpies wherever I go.
Mixed berry ice cream
Red Vines, Candy.
Vintage picnic hampers.
Making chilli jam.
Comfort food- Aka- fish fingers & chips.
Retro pick n mix.

Those are the things rocking my week!

Camping

2011-08-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a very busy Bank Holiday weekend and a chance to let my hair down before a crazy year ahead! I went to some good friends joint birthday party where we all dressed up like pirates one day and cowboys the next. Gathered wood for bonfires, played hide and seek in the woods and introduced people to the yummy treat that is toasted marshmallows. We stayed at a campsite near Twycross Zoo and despite the constant downpours a lot of fun was had!I hope whatever you did this weekend you had lots of fun.

When I want to feel happy/slushy I listen to...

2011-08-25T01:50:00.000-07:00

THIS!!

Elbow- One Day like this.

HAPPY THURSDAY!!! Roll on the lovely Bank Holiday weekend for fun an frolics dressed as a pirate and cowboy...nothing dirty, just a birthday party!! Bring on the camping/Glamping.

Crushes...

2011-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

When you were younger who did you have a crush on?! Mine are all over the place in terms of celebrities!! I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours! (well top 3 anyway!)

Seth Green- sweet, cool actor...Buffy, Austin Powers fame
Paul Nicolls (Once randomly bumped into him it London...yay!)
Seth Barker - HOT drummer from Blink 182

I had a major thing for Seth Green for years!! I think it's something to do with him being part wolf in Buffy the Vapmire Slayer...I also read a LOT of Anne Rice books...hmmm, if I was a teenager now I'd have Twilight fever (actually I do...I'm team Edward ; ) ).

Tom Selleck anyone?!

Shake it baby!

2011-08-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE dancing and always have, I put on my first pair of ballet shoes at the tender age of 2 1/2...apparently my coordination was all out of whack! 13 years later and I am not dancing, not doing diddly squat in the terms of exercise. The WII Fit was calling me, almost taunting me to use it...over a year after I last used it!!! So...I dusted down the copy of a Zumba exercise programme and gave it a go. 20 minutes and a bit of furniture rearrangement (tetris!) and I was on my way to shaking what my mama gave me!!

I can't honestly say it was easy, especially since my latest exercise routine has consisted of yoga and walking...I was sweating, shaking and reaching for my water. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough yet to go to the classes; it turns out I am a little spacially challenged and may end up elbowing someone in the face...eek!

10 things...

2011-08-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

Rocking it for me on this Tuesday are:

Surprise parties.
Homemade cupcakes.
Greyhounds (the dogs, not the bus!)
Friends getting engaged.
Checking out photography blogs
Spending time with family and friends
Cats, they are funny!
Minature tea cups in the form of rings, necklaces, earrings etc/ sorting out accessories
Afternoon Tea
Reading outside in the occasional spot of sunshine.

Loving this site today...

2011-08-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've gone a little post crazy today, so sorry if you read my blog and think I'm rabbiting on like a crazy fool! I just wanted to point you in the direction of a blog I frequent on a daily basis and am loving today's post by athriftymrs about board games. This is one sassy lady, full of wit, clever tips on everything and super cool style.
So if you've stumbled across my blog why not pop over and say hi to athriftymrs.
BB xx

Photo by D.j x

Guess what...

2011-08-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to be when I grew up?!! I found these lurking at the back of my wardrobe, random designs from my A- Level textiles days.

All that glitters!

2011-08-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

Vivienne Westwood shoes from www.coggles.com £57.50

Paul & Joe nail polish, ASOS.com - £5.55

I've got a thing for glitter today so I've scoured the internet for some sparkly, lovely things in the shops right now!! All that glitters is gold, or multicoloured in my case!!


Glitter Bag- £32, Topshop.

Nails Inc,Glastonbury Nail Polish- £11 @ Debenhams.

Travels...

2011-08-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky to travel to USA a lot and also to a few places in Europe. The one place I am yet to go to is Edinburgh...need to tick that one off of the list!

I thought I'd list some of my favourite places in USA to visit/things to do...imagination and avoidance of work are beckoning right now.

N.Y (New York)

Wander around markets
Get on the Subway and ride to anywhere...get off and walk
Century 21...shopping galore
Whole food stores...after 3 months of eating junk this place was a godsend
Fruit by the foot, fruit roll ups and twizzlers...nom,nom,nom!!!
Eating pizza slices topped off by Ben & Jerry's...I'm a Ben & Jerry's girl.
I was only there for 24 hours but I made sure I made the best of it!

L.A

I stayed at a super cheap hostel and this had a free shuttle bus to Venice Beach
Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Sign
Venice Beach and Malibu Beach for people watching
Buying souvenir junk...spot the tourist!
The Hills...yes I'm sad and I used to watch it!

PARIS

Moulin Rouge
Fresh croissants & baguettes
Walking around all of the touristy places
Sephora, Dior, Chanel...window shopping galore : )
Speaking rough conversational French and getting a marriage proposal from a shopkeeper...needless to say I didn't take him up on his offer just bought some chocolat!
Metropolitan signs, art nouveau galore.
Flea markets (jumble sales/antiques)
Macarons

LONDON

Liberty store
Anthropologie
The V&A museum
Tate Modern
The Globe Theatre
Camden Market
Central School of Speech and Drama (My old Uni!!)
Hummingbird Bakery
Primrose Hill
Kings Cross StPancras Station...I like to pretend I'm going to Paris!
Charity shops, especially in Notting Hill
Brick Lane
24 Hr bagel shops
Southbank
Covent Garden

Money, moving, sorting!

2011-08-18T01:47:00.000-07:00

Through this whole moving and sorting process I've learnt to let go odd a lot of junk I;ve been accumulating over the years! No more business cards from 5 years ago, no more bits and bobs that pile up with nowhere to live.

3 bags to the charity shop, a car load to the car boot sale and bulky bits of furniture sold to strangers...it all gets easier as you give more stuff away. I'm even freaking myself out at how much I'm managing to get rid of!

Does anyone else have any tips for sorting out their stuff or storage ideas?

In terms of financial sorting I've been checking out this forum which is great for ideas, it's also a really great website for ideas and inspiration moneysavingexpert

Happy Thursday...it's nearly the weekend...woo hoo!

10 things...

2011-08-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

Ten things on a Tuesday- Things that are floating my boat at the moment:

D.J- for being as cool as a cucumber when I'm in moving panic/meltdown mode
My mum and sister for accepting me and my stuff ~~junk~~ back into their lives!!
Great friends/roomies/housemates! You know who you are.
Felix the Cat
Rowntree's Sour Pastilles- I never thought anything could beat the original but these are contantly on my shopping list at the moment...mmm, sweet and sour!!
Bargains @ car boot sales
Making thai curry from scratch
Bargain days out to new places (Rufford Abbey, Notts)
Sorting out stuff for Charity shops- always a pleasure, never a chore!
Reading new books

Rufford Abbey

Brand new from hospice shop in York- £1

Car Boot Sale- Aldo boots, £1

Some of my stuff ~~junk~~!

If you could choose...films

2011-08-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

A film for me to watch that you think I would fall in love with, what would it be?! On an entirely different note my housemates made me watch BAD BOYS yesterday as I'd never seen it. I only just got round to watching GHOST a few months back!

An inspirational blog and one that mentions lots of lovely films is Eleanor's pretty much penniless a great go-to for all things lovely.

On a side note from films, has anyone tried this yoghurt?!! It is SO yummy, but I love anything with cinnamon in. It tastes like apple strudel without the pastry...I doubt it's majorly healthy but it sure is super tasty....mmm! It costs around £1.60 from large supermarkets.

Money, money, money!

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Why is it sometimes, no matter how much you save you feel like the pennies will not rub together?!! Or is it just me? I've always been pretty good with money and do not have any naughty habits (apart from chocolate!). I save money whenever and wherever I can, am signed up to practically every money saving website.

Right now I'm trying to think of ways to raise some money other than borrowing, I'm not comfortable with that. I have used online auction sites and am becoming a regular car booter, have cleared out a LOT of trash to sell.

Sometimes it feels like one crazy roundabout of nonsense!!

The things I am rich in are:

Love
Friendship
Health

Picture- From a sculpture in York.

Read those books!

2011-08-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

Reading and writing have always been close to my heart as well as drawing and creating collages. I remember having troubles at school and not being able to read too well and then one day it all clicked. After that there was no way to get me to part from books/the library/notebooks etc! My favourite thing about reading is the escapism of it and creating new worlds with your imagination.

A few of my favourite books (some I may have mentioned before!): The BFG, Twilight series, the memory keepers daughter, The lovely bones, lucky, if you could see me now, thanks for the memories, the welsh girl, hotel babylon, the great escape...so many more but this post would be too long!

What would be your choices?

On the book/reading theme:

Loving this site today...

2011-08-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

I am loving DOMESTIC SLUTTERY today for it's how to's with food, fashion and homeware. Of course there are my daily go to's in Blogs that make me smile, mainly Vix @ Vintage Vixen, BibbityBob and Pink Bow at the moment.

Sweater, £39.

In terms of window shopping at the moment it's got to be http://www.joythestore.com Having only JUST discovered these stores when I was in York with D.J I am in love...swoon! It's hard to get a flavour for it online but the stores are ace, it was like all of my Christmas' came at once. I bought two cardigans, one of which my sister thinks is a bit of a 'granny cardi'!! Oh well, unless Gok Wan kidnaps me my wardrobe has little hope!

Dress £45

Birdcage necklace, £12.

candy...sweet music

2011-08-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to and loving a bit of Paolo Nutini right now...thinking about vintage fabrics and sitting in fields of wild flowers...funny imagination!

'I'll be there waiting for you'

a good cuppa!

2011-08-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

If you love tea and peaceful protest, check anti riot- operation cup of tea out on Facebook!!

They can fight us on the high street but they'll never take our freedom/determination/spirit/gumption...

'I fought the Law and the Law won' The Clash.

10 things...

2011-08-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

I can't really think of 10 things to write about today. With the riots going on in London the news is on quite a lot at the moment!

I'm a born Londoner and also an educator so the fact that it is mainly young people taking to the streets seems a little close to home. There just doesn't seem any rhyme or reason to it. So very sad. So many people fought for the freedom of this Country and still do and it's really sad that such negative things are going on.

Films

2011-08-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

If you were to pick 10 films that you really loved which would you choose and why? I've put down mine and reasons why...although I could think of many more. Seems I'm thinking the same as...ifonlyiknewhowtobegin All I need now is DJ, Felix the cat and a BIG bowl of popcorn!

The Little Mermaid- Ariel rocks and it was the first ever film I saw at the cinema.
E.T- Has childhood memories and a family member was a cast member.
The Railway Children- The old version with Bernard Cribbins...love that film!! GEEK!
Inception- Crazy, mind bending, amazing film.
A Brief Encounter- Lovely story.
Amelie- My favourite subtitled film, beautiful colours and great story.
The Goonies- Another childhood favourite.
The Red Shoes- Ballet film and love story.
Breakfast at Tiffany's- The first time I watched this I was pleasantly surprised, not at all what I thought it would be like!
Monsters Inc- I love dreamworks Pixar films...too many to list!

Nature walk...

2011-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

On a little stroll in rural Hertfordshire this past weekend we spotted lots of lovely little flowers and bugs! The countryside is one of my 'happy places' where I can breathe in fresh air and feel happy that I am never far from a pretty place. Even in Cities there are amazing little parks hidden away. Going to the seaside is also a favourite past time and much of my childhood was spent with the brown sands of the UK beneath my feet.

Staycation 2011/ 10 things on a Tuesday

2011-08-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a little break in York, D.J booked a B&B as a surprise and we headed 'up North' (well further North) to the amazing City.
Highlights of the trip included going to the Jorvik centre, Cream Tea at Betty's tea room, taking plenty of photo's strolling around in maxi dresses and skirts (me not D.J!), eating far too much food, supping the local Ale on York Day, walking everywhere, trips to Scarborough, charity shop bargains, funky sculptures...

So much to write so little time!

2011-08-01T03:20:00.001-07:00

Busy few days, pictures and info to follow! Hope you are all well in blogosphere! BBx

*busy times*
Lately life has been hectic! My little sister graduated recently from the University of Southampton, I was a VERY proud big sister. We stayed in the gorgeous De Vere hotel in Southampton and ate more for breakfast than we ever have in our lives. It was lovely to spend time with my Sister, mum and Aunty...very girly! My sister graduated on the Thursday and on the Friday we spent over 3 hours making chocolates here...I am never sick of chocolate, I love it. It's great to learn about it's origins and how it's made as well as tasting and making it! YUM.

10 things on Tuesday(ish!!)

2011-07-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

The ten things floating my boat this week are:

BIG pizza's a.ka Rustica @ Zizzi's
Making cakes- this week it's Hummingbird Bakery's Banana Loaf.
Having a drink with friends & D.J on a boat which is a bar, overlooking Newark Castle.
Finding & collecting old Ladybird books
Accessories @ H&M, pocket friendly and nice designs especially the chunky rings.
3 Bean Wraps from Marks and Spencer...Mmmmm!
Listening to punk compilations
Hearing about my Grandad proposing to my Grandma
Playing 'House' with my housemates in IKEA, I haven't laughed so much in ages!!
Travelling to new Cities I haven't yet explored

50p in a charity shop...what's not to love?!

D.J thinks this is gross, so do most people but I love it's weirdness!

5 songs...

2011-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

If you were to pick 5 songs to sum up your current mood, what would they be?

At last- Etta James
Born this way- Lady GaGa
We are family- Sister Sledge
Sisters are doing it for themselves- Eurythmics
Radioactive- Kings of Leon

I do LOVE music, I grew up on a diet of Motown, Bowie and Queen and it has influenced my own music tastes.

marshmallow brain!

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days where your thoughts and brain are working in over drive, everything spinning around so fast you can't quite make any sense of it?! I think it's the reality of having no steady work for 2 years and then in a couple of months time I'll have a semi permanent job in what feels like an eternity!Woo hoo!

There is not a lot on my social radar at the moment apart from going to my sisters graduation next week. I think my mum and I will be grinning like crazy fools! For various reasons my sister and I may never have gone to University. Sometimes just beating the odds is reward enough but I can't wait; my sister is very clever and I can't wait to see what she does in life.

On my shopping (dream) wishlist this week are: polaroid camera, DSLR, ginger ice cream, personalised bookplates, converse, notebooks to write thoughts in, 100's of colourful flowers, a summer filled with sunshine, lots of helium balloons, cinnamon pop tarts, bright coloured nails, a mystery cheque dropping through the letterbox.

A more realistic wishlist: Hours of reading, hugs, smiles, kisses, baking, seeing family and friends, taking photo's, visiting another town, watching trash tv, singing in the shower!

The pic is a 1950s advert for Liberty, London...that place is amazing...a treasure trove!

Ten things on Tuesday...

2011-07-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today (Tuesday) the things that are making me happy are:

Still feeling healthy and happy
Listening to this...not everyone's cup of tea but percussive tap shoes...muchos kuddos!
Cooking/ Baking
Creating an imaginary capsule wardrobe
Imagining what it would be like to live by the sea
Going for random walks
Being thanked for the work I do, it's what makes it worthwhile
Having things to be happy about and plans to make for little adventures
Cute puppies...they seem to be everywhere at the moment!
Daydreaming about a holiday

Puddle jumping...

2011-07-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's raining, a lot but it's not a bad thing, not bad at all! Thanks to Lulubelle from if only i knew how to begin for her list of things that make her happy. Today I feel a bit 'blah'...neither ecstatically happy or sad, not really sure why but the other day I treated myself to a new perfume as I was completely out of all parfum :(. I used my points I have been saving for years from the pharmacy of a large name and type of footwear! Anyway, the perfume is Paul Smith's, ROSE and it smells like a beautiful bunch of roses....lovely.

Yesterday myself and D.J cooked up a massive roast dinner for my housemates complete with homemade rhubarb crumble and custard. I would have taken photo's but I was too hungry! I do LOVE cooking, it makes me happy especially if you improvise a bit and the food turns out alright.

oh photo's, how I love thee...

2011-07-15T02:26:00.000-07:00

Photography has been a secret passion of mine for many years and one I couldn't quite accept as being alright. You see, my father is a photographer but is not the best paternal figure so I associated photography as almost being a dirty little secret, something I shouldn't enjoy as it was not 'mine'! Now I have come to terms with the fact that I love it. Sometimes I surprise myself with the images I capture, mostly I shoot with feeling and try to capture moments that I wish for people to remember.

Today I am very much in love with the work of the photographic genius that is Emma Case and I can only aspire to be as brilliant as her one day!

Ten things on a Thursday...

2011-07-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

I posted something similar on a Tuesday but Tuesday has come and gone far too fast this week so I thought I'd post on the other 'T' day!

10 things making me happy/ grateful this week are:

My health and that of those close to me.
Meeting up with the Family
Seeing the family dog- old and grumpy but still very loved!
Road trips with good music
Getting a job I love
Cupcakes in pink boxes
Bunches of red roses (Thanks D.J! x )
Bike rides
Ice cream milkshakes
High factor suncream

What would be at the top of your list?

I want to ride my bicycle (or a rented one)...

2011-07-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Made a lovely trip to Clumber Park in Nottingham yesterday on a sort of spare of the moment trip, it was great fun and proved to be an exhausting yet brilliant experience. Myself and D.J hired bikes for 2 hours and whizzed around the pathways taking in the lovely sights and sounds for 2 hours. The only stop was for a brief Mr Whippy with a '99' (Ice cream and chocolate)! I would HIGHLY recommend it if you're ever in the area, its a great day out.

Whizzing down a hill at great speed and flying through the rain are awesome on a bike, it felt like I was a young girl again and it was fab! My dream bike would be a Liberty print one or a Pashley, I love vintage and retro items and a wicker basket makes me smile!

Jump...for my love!

2011-07-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Recently DJ did a pretty awesome thing, he jumped out of a plane for charity and I did the MOST silly thing and forgot to pack the suncream...I am always wearing at least factor 30 but on this occassion I forgot. Later on I looked like a lobster...now I have an array of suncreams and after sun so I should never forget.

Anyhow, the skydiving was amazing and we met some talented and awesomely brave people and got to go to Morcambe beach later on which was beautiful. I can feel a glamping stay-cation coming on (fancy camping!) We also ate at a yummy and affordable tapas restaurant 1725.

dj tandem skydiving, morecambe beach, 1725 restaurant.

Walk this way!

2011-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Recently we popped to Lincoln, it was a brief but sunny and lovely visit. I do love random outings for no reason other than to go somewhere new (and ice cream)! The Cathedral is pretty amazing and worth the walk up Steep Hill (no joke, that's what it's called). Tomorrow we're off to the big smoke for a family outing, lovely stuff! I'm hoping to pop into some nice shops if there's time. Going back to London seems to excite me much more since I stopped living there, the shops, culture and number of friends that live there all make for great time.

Old photographs.

2011-07-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have recently parted with my film camera/SLR and was sad to see it go but it marks the beginning of getting on board the DSLR train and heading towards the digital era for me! Some of my clearest photographs are currently coming out of my cameraphone as it is Carl Zeiss....oooh! It picks out colours beautifully, especially greens and makes me excited for one day getting a digital camera.

Whilst looking for a specific photo on my computer this morning I came across some oldies so thought I'd stick them up online!

What a Goddess!

2011-06-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

I love reading and browsing through the lovely Gisele Scanlon's Goddess Guide books. If you haven't ever seen one try and get hold of one, they also make lovely presents! I love the descriptions of Cities she has visited and advice on where to get the best of almost everything that is gorgeous...it also makes me smile and indulges my sense of seeking pleasure in the simpler things in life.
I have realised of late I have become quite a 'pink' girl, with many a pink accessory creeping into my wardrobe or pink item of makeup finding its way into my life...I whole heartedly blame my sister who is the queen of pink coloured things!

Ten things on Tuesday...

2011-06-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ten things I like today and it's Tuesday so I thought I'd list them. It's great to have long term goals as well as short term ones and to let them change and adapt as life goes along!

Apple & cinnamon tea.
Watching rubbish programmes on TV
Catching up with friends
Walking in the sunshine
Getting most of the way through the days 'to do' list!
Home cooking/baking
Catching up with great blogs
Planning mini adventures
Visiting new places
Window shopping

Bunting? Yes please!

2011-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Two things I jolly well love are bunting and the artist Rob Ryan so I was VERY happy to spot some on a little road trip I went on with DJ yesterday to see some beautiful bunting hanging up in a shop (photos to follow) My curious little brain thought...'hmmm....John Lewis sell some of his stuff...let's see if they sell bunting' and ta da!
Oh my...how frivolous yet beautiful. I stumbled across Rob Ryan's work a few years ago and managed to get a limited edition card from his Etsy shop. I love the pictures but mostly I love the words.

On a side note I had a scrumptious little pot of locally made ginger and vanilla ice cream...taste-tastic!

Who inspires you?

2011-06-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

I couldn't sleep this morning...pesky neighbours so I got up and baked for the first time in about 5 months! Needless to say my cinnamon scones turned out like mini frisbees but were still edible with jam and butter.

I keep thinking about the people that inspire me lately...they are milling around my head for some reason so I've listed them below, who inspires you?

My mother- she is stronger than she knows and I'm so grateful for her love and support.
My sister- she always goes for her goals and dreams and is uber stylish!
My friends &D.J- Funny, driven, lovely and supportive
My grandparents- so wise and lovely, although my grandad is no longer with us he still inspires me
Roald Dahl- I love his writing and macabre humour in his writing!
Fellow bloggers- so creative and upbeat!

Incredible hulk Risotto...

2011-06-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Or just risotto verde! I am not a chef, nor do I claim to be but I do love to cook and eat and have a healthy obsession with food and not overly buying or wasting it!
I had some yummy (donated by the mothership) green veg going to ruin in the fridge, shock horror I hear you cry! It was mainly asparagus and a few spring onions so I chopped them and then found a packet of risotto rice in my cupboard so the meal came about as follows (there is no method or recipe to my madness!!) :

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
Add about half a teacup of risotto rice & stir
Bung in about 1-2 cloves of garlic and chopped spring onions...continue to stir
Add in your asparagus tips...I added mine raw to the pan at this stage
Continue to mix it up...
Add in some stock (stock cube + a few mugs of hot water)...only a LITTLE at a time
Keep stirring for about 20 mins adding in more stock each time.
Optional: Add in some frozen peas after about 20 mins
Right at the last minute, if you like it rich add in a 1-2 tbsp of pesto, some butter and parmesan and mix it all together and then serve asap!!
P.S- make sure the rice is nice and stodgy...not too crunchy!!

*Apologies about the yucky looking photo...it tastes better than it looks.

Once upon a time...

2011-06-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

there lived a clumsy girl in a very busy world. This clumsy girl looked at things and longed to take pictures of the curiosities that caught her eye. However, much like the best laid plans things did not work out the first time so she carried on in her quest to save the shiny pennies in her flowery coin purse until she could one day make those dreams a reality...

Ice ice baby!

2011-06-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went snowboarding using a rather popular website and by 'eck it was funny! I think I might be the worlds worst person at sports involving ice and snow! It was great fun...next stop will either be rock climbing or indoor skydiving...just for a giggle!

I've also been checking out some lovely retro/kitsch style converse trainers that I've come across as well as playsuits for tall ladies...some 'taller' clothing is just so frumpy...I'm guessing the best vintage era is 70's for tall ladies because of the maxi-ness of everything. : ) I do not wish to sound like I'm moaning about being taller than average...I just find delight in discovering clothes that don't expose your muffin top when you lean up!

Resist the sofa!

2011-06-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

After reading a thrifty mrs post today on 'the 3 minute rule' I've been a lot less lazy and actually done a teeny tiny bit of housework! I really want to bake a cake and am debating between lemon drizzle or some kind of blueberry muffin concoction!

I am also loving bibitybob's cute black cat, looks so cuddly and happy! : )

Today I am dreaming of reading a WHOLE novel, collecting chintzy mis matching cups, plates & teapots, I may have to trawl some charity shops/ car boot sales...I'm not sure why I put up cake pics...I once made some red velvet cupcakes for my mum's birthday but dying my hands with red food dye has scared me off making them for a while (very tasty though). The pavlova is my mum's foolproof recipe and this was the first and only attempt of mine so far!

changing buttons

2011-06-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

A lot more straightforward than the post suggests! About a month ago I bought some nice handmade buttons from a stall in Nottingham and I put some pics on here.

So my cardigan went from this:

To this!

Oh happy days!

2011-06-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

In the last few days many things have worked out for the better and I finally feel like my life is changing and heading in a positive direction. Sometimes the heartache you have to go through in life leads to better things, be it months or years later.

Not so long ago I got the chance to go to London with my Beau and we saw some really cool landmarks, acted like tourists for the day and I also got the chance to meet up with some great friends and visit one of my favourite shops anthropologie on King's Road. I couldn't buy much so ended up going for a yellow coaster (it made me think of Spain/Portugal)!!!

Lovely things putting a smile on my face this week are:

walks in glorious grounds
flowers
cups of steaming tea in my fave (Rob Ryan) mug
hugs and support from family and friends
getting a job
fresh fruit
dreaming about funny things!
Ice cream....mmm!

Jelly brain

2011-06-07T23:15:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted for a few days, my brain is like jelly or scrambled egg at the moment! Good things though are that I went to London with the lovely DJ recently and had a great time, I also met some of my lovely uni friends who are brilliant. : )
I'll try and think of something more interesting when I'm not feeling so mopey! Good day to everyone hope its a wicked one. Xx

go on and kiss the girl...

2011-05-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

In my house we like to break out into impromptu performances of classic film songs...just think of the flame haired mermaid and you'll get the post title! ; )

At the moment I'm Jones-ing (crushing- I think the term Jonesing is from the USA, I may be wrong!) over quite a few things and a few websites and what better way to celebrate redundancy than shopping (of the window variety?!!) I'll update this at some point but here's a generic list of things that make me smile:

Big smiles and warm hugs
Hot mugs of tea
Making a to-do list that seems impossible and completing it
Doing a supermarket sweep to mentally note how many cinnamon related products I can get for my monies
Reading a newspaper...cover to almost cover (not fussed about sports)
Finding an awesome bargain- aka- Monsoon vintage style Jacket, it was love at first sight and scarily cheap!
Remembering random childhood memories
Cupcakes and giggles with a great girly friend
Branching out and considering alternative career paths

Loving this site today...

2011-05-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

hannah zakari

Super cool stuff on this super cool website from awesome lady, Hannah Zakari...even if I have no pennies to rub together I still like to click onto her website for awesome homeware and gift ideas.

(pictures from her website).

I ESPECIALLY love the tea and bisuit related items!

Blog love!

2011-05-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today in between filling in job applications a-plenty, drinking tea and being super duper lazy I have been reconnecting with some lovely blogs...I am mostly loving Vintage vixen and Cup of Kitten Tea, links to both are in blogs that make me smile.

I have also been day dreaming about cool jobs I'd like to do if I could; dance teacher, photographer and chocolate taster are currently at the top of my list!

Wondering whether to take the road less travelled!

2011-05-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

For the last few years I have been stalling any major decision as to what to do with my life and its been getting me rather down. Lately though my subconscious keeps revisiting the notion that I should do the things I know I should already be doing...I'll see if it pans out well and if all goes well I can hopefully share my plans on this blog. In the meantime a little list of happiness inducing things!

Holding hands
Kissing
Reading a good book/article
Catching up with friends
Cuddling puppies... (one's I know...not random strangers dogs!)
Anything with cinnamon in it (I'm a cinnamon addict!)
Cups of tea.
Taking photo's
Double rainbows after crazy rain showers
Road trips with D.J and some quality tunes!

I love picnics...yes I do!

2011-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cakes, sandwiches, tea in flasks, little versions of your favourite foods, long walks and holding hands. All happening with a picnic rug and hopefully a glam picnic basket in tow. If money was no object I'd be sporting a 'Blyton' beauty in sunnier weather...its a picnic hamper that is totally gorgeous and is about £60 (in my dreams!!).

Did I mention...

2011-05-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

That I like long walks in pretty places?!

pics & fooood...what's new?!!

2011-05-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

I made this recently and it was very tasty, the leftovers were a testament to the tastiness!!Mussels cooked in guinness are yum scrum! Made me want to go to Dublin and watch the world go by!

I also recently went to a market in Sherwood, Nottingham and was VERY happy to buy some bits from the owner of Bambi Vintage whose shop is sadly no longer in Sherwood :(. The lovely lady and her daughter that ran it still make gorgeous things and this is a link to her glorious online goodies! See what I purchased below...

Vintage ribbon, handmade buttons. : )

It's a nice day for a...

2011-05-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

white wedding! Well that's what that hot punk assss dude Billy Idol once said. A LOT of weddings seem to be happening from now until the end of the summer. Good luck and well wishes to all of those getting hitched this weekend. : ) I hope to be using a nice little camera this time next year at a relative's wedding...watch this space!

wedding sign