Monthly Archives: April 2017

A Cox and Cox Homewares Wish List*

29th April 2017
If you’ve spent any length of time reading my blog you’ll have worked out by now that I have a thing for homewares (thanks Mum!) This went in to complete over-drive when I was living in my flat and now I’m back in the parental home I’m yet to reign it in, spending an inordinate amount of time planning ahead to when I move out again.

I have a regular selection of sites that I like to browse, Cox and Cox being one of them- and it’s from there that today’s wish list came about.

It’s all a bit cliche but right now I can’t get enough of clean design with a girly twist. Pinks, greys and copper are seriously floating my boat and if I could deck my future abode out entirely in these colours I would be a very happy girl.

I dream of having wooden floors that I can cover in big, luxurious rugs, statement chairs for curling up and reading in with piles of blankets all around in complimentary shades. I’d even be prepared to part with my currently favoured bold printed bedding in favour of pastel quilted pieces- again accessorised with a blanket and cushion mountain to make my bed the cosiest place on earth.

In my head I have visions of high ceilings, bookcases rammed full of my favourite reads and a couple of cats roaming around just waiting to curl up on my feet. In reality what I’m likely to end up with is a small flat with haphazard furniture, a couple of small rugs, novelty printed bedding sets and one cat that prefers to chew toes rather than curl up on them and keep them warm.

At least I have the internet to keep my dream alive!

What would your ideal home look like and where are your favourite places to browse for homewares and inspiration?

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Posted in brands I love, inspiration, interiors, wish list

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Moving or Improving?*

27th April 2017
Well, this feels like a terribly grown up post to be writing- there’s nothing like thinking about buying your own home to make you realise you actually are an adult and there is a LOT more to be considered than you assume when you’re younger and home ownership is just a pipe dream.

That’s not to say that right now I’m actively looking to buy, but with a bit of luck in the next twelve months or so I might be able to do this and it’s never too early to start thinking about it- it’s probably one of the biggest steps in any person’s life so when Slater Gordon Property Solicitors challenged me to think about everything that needs considering when you take that leap in to potential home ownership.

I’ve always been clear in my mind where it is I’d like to buy my first home, which I suppose both helps and hinders because I’ll be limited to what properties are available BUT it will give me direction in my search. I think the main obstacle that I will come up against (despite you know, actually getting the mortgage and sorting out the finances) is that I really want to live in a converted Victorian property so making sure the flat/house is in good structural order is essential. Given that my budget will likely only extend to a flat the other two issues I’m likely to come up against are size- it might be fine for me on my own, but should I meet someone and start a family for example, will it be big enough to accommodate if moving again isn’t an immediate option? The second issue which I believe is a common issue when buying a flat is that of Leasehold- that brings with it maintenance fees, an annual ground rent and potential restrictions on any big alterations, owning pets or subletting.
I also thought I’d share this infographic provided by Gordon Property Solicitors which contains some interesting facts and figures about buying your own home, and for non first time buyers the pros/cons of making improvement to your current home rather than the upheaval of a house move.
I’m aware that this post is very much only skimming the surface of the subject and I obviously have no real experience as of yet so I’d be really interested in anyone wanting to share their stories and advice about buying their own home- leave them in the comments!

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Posted in infographic, interiors

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The Denman Cocktail Collection

26th April 2017
Ever found yourself wishing that your hair brush could smell like your favourite cocktail? Nope, me neither but when I heard about the new Cocktail Fragrance Collection from Denman Brushes it suddenly seemed like a very appealing, not to mention genius idea.

With flavours such as Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Berry Martini these are fun and funky brushes that are the perfect size for popping in your handbag and would make an awesome birthday gift for your girl friends.

Denman kindly sent me the Strawberry Daiquiri brush so that I could see how the idea translates in to real life. It’s a lovely, grown-up looking brush and, despite it’s small size and “novelty” factor it lives up to the renowned quality of Denman Brushes.

The scent of this is SO good, so very good. Good enough that I have to stop myself sniffing my hair brush in public.

I’m not sure if I like the fact that the scent doesn’t transfer to your hair or not though, on the one hand I can see why Denman have done this- walking around smelling like your favourite drinks could grow old fast. On the other hand though, the idea of Strawberry scented hair for the Summer is really kind of appealing!

The brushes retail at £8.00 each and are available from the Denman online store.

What do you think of this idea? And what’s your favourite cocktail?

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Posted in accessories, beauty, hair

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Those Groundbreaking Spring Florals

24th April 2017

*Insert cliche “The Devil Wears Prada” quote here…*

Cliche aside, I’m of the if it ain’t broke school of thought and if florals are what I’m instantly drawn to the second the sun decides to shine and there’s a warmer feel to the air then so be it. This dress was an impulse purchase from the Monki sale, snatched up on route to my first date with the boyfriend as it happens. It’s another case of shopping karma as well, as I had wanted it full price but didn’t have the money. Finding it in my size for just £12 was the perfect start to what turned out to be a wonderful evening.

Dress: Monki | Shoes c/o Ego (now £14.99!)

Ok, so it’s not the most Spring like of outfits in terms of colour and I didn’t quite manage bare legs [thank you Primark sheer tights] but it’s a step in the right direction.

As with all of my Monki wardrobe additions [and it does now appear to take up at least 1/3 of my current clothing collection] I love the over-sized fit- perfect for when you’re dealing with recovery from an eating disorder and hiding those food babies!

Now the weather is improving I’m getting quite exciting for building up a new warm weather wardrobe. So much of the clothes I lived in last year remind me of tough times and sadness, they don’t represent me and the person I’ve become. I can’t afford to go mad but with some careful saving of those pennies I reckon I can manage a trip or two to Primark, and of course Monki and get some pieces that both look good AND make me feel good.

Which high-street shops Spring collections are you loving the most right now?

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A Reminiscent Wish List*

23rd April 2017
I’ve been taking a few trips down memory lane recently, most likely triggered by my rapid approach to the big 3-0 [five days to go!]. I’ve been looking back at all areas of my life, and that includes some of the sartorial choices I made as I was growing up. I went through a phase when I was maybe 16-19 when I shopped almost exclusively at “skate shops”. Probably because my brother was well in to his skateboarding so most trips in to town involve a pit-stop in to one of these- as a result my wardrobe was mostly made up of logo tees, hoodies and ridiculously flared jeans.
I look back on these days with fondness, those were some crazy times and I had a lot of adventures and I think because of that there will always be a place in my heart, and wardrobe from some of my most worn brands at the time. With that in mind I decided to pop together a little wish list featuring some old favourites and new discoveries. Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia, right?

All items available from Skate Hut

Obviously style and fashions have come a long way in the last decade or more which delightfully means that whilst my old wardrobe would have very little place in with my current collection of clothes, these items are much more up to date and would work quite happily with a lot of what I own- especially my beloved denim pinafore (hands down the best fiver I’ve ever spent).

Do you ever look back at your past fashion choices? I do like to every now and again and now I’ve un-earthed this little phase of my life I’m keen as to get some of it back…I’ll start happily with the Vans sweater and Hype tropical print dress.

Questionable flared jeans no longer necessary!

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Posted in fashion, inspiration, personal style, shopping, wish list

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