I'm feeling very autumnal this week, hence this beautiful colour palette of loveliness I have created here. I am so in love with mustard and burgundy tones, they're just so warm and comforting on these colder days and nights. I'm currently trying to convince myself that I don't need these dreamy mustard boots, because velvet isn't the most practical thing to wear on your feet in the rainy winter time, but sometimes practicality goes out the window when something is this beautiful. What have you got your eye on this season?
FRIDAY FINDS
Friday 22 September 2017
I'm feeling very autumnal this week, hence this beautiful colour palette of loveliness I have created here. I am so in love with mustard and burgundy tones, they're just so warm and comforting on these colder days and nights. I'm currently trying to convince myself that I don't need these dreamy mustard boots, because velvet isn't the most practical thing to wear on your feet in the rainy winter time, but sometimes practicality goes out the window when something is this beautiful. What have you got your eye on this season?
You're probably sick of the sight of check blazers by now but just in case you're not, here's another one. Oh, and I've thrown in a pair of tassels earrings too just to add to the cliché. I think it's quite a random thing to become popular though, one exact style and pattern of jacket. But anyway I'm not complaining because I just love this one. I had to wait a while for it to come back in stock but when it did it just so happened to occur alongside a nice little 25% off promotion. Quite often if I see something I like I'll put off ordering it until I can find a discount code - I'm turning into such a stingy old woman! I'd had my eye on this t-shirt too so that was swiftly added to my basket too. It's pretty simple but I just love me some brunch so I had to have it! I bought these jeans a few months ago, I think they're a bit of an acquired taste. I love the tassels, even though every time they move and brush my leg I jump because I think there's a spider on me...
This is a pretty basic outfit but sometimes that's just what works best. Everything is from New Look, apart from the boots which were my pride and joy from River Island last winter. They're looking fairly worn out and cracked now but I hope I'll get another winter out of them at least. I've linked the items and alternatives below - which piece is your favourite?
BOOTS (OLD) - SIMILAR
THE CHECKED BLAZER
Tuesday 19 September 2017
You're probably sick of the sight of check blazers by now but just in case you're not, here's another one. Oh, and I've thrown in a pair of tassels earrings too just to add to the cliché. I think it's quite a random thing to become popular though, one exact style and pattern of jacket. But anyway I'm not complaining because I just love this one. I had to wait a while for it to come back in stock but when it did it just so happened to occur alongside a nice little 25% off promotion. Quite often if I see something I like I'll put off ordering it until I can find a discount code - I'm turning into such a stingy old woman! I'd had my eye on this t-shirt too so that was swiftly added to my basket too. It's pretty simple but I just love me some brunch so I had to have it! I bought these jeans a few months ago, I think they're a bit of an acquired taste. I love the tassels, even though every time they move and brush my leg I jump because I think there's a spider on me...
This is a pretty basic outfit but sometimes that's just what works best. Everything is from New Look, apart from the boots which were my pride and joy from River Island last winter. They're looking fairly worn out and cracked now but I hope I'll get another winter out of them at least. I've linked the items and alternatives below - which piece is your favourite?
BOOTS (OLD) - SIMILAR
Red is definitely having it's moment right now, and I for one am loving it. It's such a bold, eye-catching colour, especially when it comes in the form of this insane vinyl trench coat. Even just a wee touch of red can brighten up any outfit. Whenever I'm feeling a bit dull I put on my red lipstick and instantly feel better. I've been having major post-shopping regret recently though, I saw a pair of red studded ankle boots in Primark in the summer and I'm still really annoyed with myself for not getting them. I won't be back on the mainland for another month now and I just know I won't be able to find them again, so I'm now on the hunt for an alternative.
What do you think of red? Will you be wearing it this season?
FOCUS ON: RED
Monday 18 September 2017
Red is definitely having it's moment right now, and I for one am loving it. It's such a bold, eye-catching colour, especially when it comes in the form of this insane vinyl trench coat. Even just a wee touch of red can brighten up any outfit. Whenever I'm feeling a bit dull I put on my red lipstick and instantly feel better. I've been having major post-shopping regret recently though, I saw a pair of red studded ankle boots in Primark in the summer and I'm still really annoyed with myself for not getting them. I won't be back on the mainland for another month now and I just know I won't be able to find them again, so I'm now on the hunt for an alternative.
What do you think of red? Will you be wearing it this season?
COAT | BLOUSE | SKIRT | SHOES | EARRINGS | WATCH | BAG | TROUSERS
Hello, and welcome to my first 'Friday Finds'. This is just a simple little post which I will be putting out on, yep you've guessed it, Fridays! It's just a little collection of a few pieces which have been catching my eye. This week I inadvertently ended up going for a pinky theme. I won't babble too much today I'm just keeping it short and sweet but that coat, I'm in love. Happy Shopping!
FRIDAY FINDS
Friday 8 September 2017
COAT | BLOUSE | SKIRT | SHOES | EARRINGS | WATCH | BAG | TROUSERS
Hello, and welcome to my first 'Friday Finds'. This is just a simple little post which I will be putting out on, yep you've guessed it, Fridays! It's just a little collection of a few pieces which have been catching my eye. This week I inadvertently ended up going for a pinky theme. I won't babble too much today I'm just keeping it short and sweet but that coat, I'm in love. Happy Shopping!
Feminist slogan clothing is big news right now, you can't scroll through Instagram without seeing a stream of t-shirts, all pledging solidarity to women's causes. It's refreshing to see feminism being supported in such a huge way, I just hope that the people who are wearing these clothes actually believe in the messages they are portraying, and that they're not just doing it for a trend. Either way, girls supporting girls cannot be a bad thing. Having worked in a very female-orientated environment in the past, I know only too well how bitchy women can be towards each other. Of course not everyone is going to get along all of the time, but that doesn't mean you have to get the claws out every time you have a difference of opinion. Now I'm no saint, of course I've made bitchy comments myself (who hasn't?) but I would never purposefully undermine or belittle someone else out of spite or for whatever other reason. There's enough trauma and negativity in the world right now without us all turning on each other too.
I ordered this jumper online a couple of weeks ago. It looked quite fitted on the model so I ordered a size bigger than I normally would because I wanted it to be a little loose, but when it came it was a bit bigger than I was expecting. It doesn't actually look too big in photos but it definitely feels quite oversized when I'm wear it, especially in the arms. I can already tell though that it is going to be one of my go-to throw on pieces for autumn. I really liked the sporty design of this jumper. I think I am quite a contradiction of styles - one day I'll be really practical and sporty and the next I'll be flouncing around in a long pleated skirt acting like a real lady. Everyone needs a bit of balance though sometimes, especially at this time of year when you never know what the weather is going to do next! I am well aware btw that these pictures are very poor quality but they were very rushed and I will get better next time!
Oh, and did I mention what a bargain this was? Only £7! H&M are so good with wee deals like these - if you fancy grabbing it yourself you can find it here :)
Oh, and did I mention what a bargain this was? Only £7! H&M are so good with wee deals like these - if you fancy grabbing it yourself you can find it here :)
GIRLS UNITE
Wednesday 6 September 2017
Feminist slogan clothing is big news right now, you can't scroll through Instagram without seeing a stream of t-shirts, all pledging solidarity to women's causes. It's refreshing to see feminism being supported in such a huge way, I just hope that the people who are wearing these clothes actually believe in the messages they are portraying, and that they're not just doing it for a trend. Either way, girls supporting girls cannot be a bad thing. Having worked in a very female-orientated environment in the past, I know only too well how bitchy women can be towards each other. Of course not everyone is going to get along all of the time, but that doesn't mean you have to get the claws out every time you have a difference of opinion. Now I'm no saint, of course I've made bitchy comments myself (who hasn't?) but I would never purposefully undermine or belittle someone else out of spite or for whatever other reason. There's enough trauma and negativity in the world right now without us all turning on each other too.
I ordered this jumper online a couple of weeks ago. It looked quite fitted on the model so I ordered a size bigger than I normally would because I wanted it to be a little loose, but when it came it was a bit bigger than I was expecting. It doesn't actually look too big in photos but it definitely feels quite oversized when I'm wear it, especially in the arms. I can already tell though that it is going to be one of my go-to throw on pieces for autumn. I really liked the sporty design of this jumper. I think I am quite a contradiction of styles - one day I'll be really practical and sporty and the next I'll be flouncing around in a long pleated skirt acting like a real lady. Everyone needs a bit of balance though sometimes, especially at this time of year when you never know what the weather is going to do next! I am well aware btw that these pictures are very poor quality but they were very rushed and I will get better next time!
Oh, and did I mention what a bargain this was? Only £7! H&M are so good with wee deals like these - if you fancy grabbing it yourself you can find it here :)
Oh, and did I mention what a bargain this was? Only £7! H&M are so good with wee deals like these - if you fancy grabbing it yourself you can find it here :)
(sticky notes: Primark)
Each month I like to begin by making a list of all the things I need to or want to achieve during that time. Some can be basic little things (that I probably should have done the previous month) and others are part of a larger long term goal. This month in particular is a very important one for me as I have some major long tern life prep to get underway, so here are my aims:
1. Begin driving lessons
Yes, at the ripe old age of 29 I am FINALLY about to begin driving lessons. I've put it off for so long now with so many excuses, "I don't need it I live in a city" "it's too expensive" "I'm too busy with life", but there is just no putting it off any longer. Living in a remote area it is nigh on impossible to get around without driving, and the bike just isn't gonna cut it in the wild winter months. Thankfully a very lovely friend of mine has just qualified as an instructor so I'm hoping having a familiar face with me will calm me down a bit and make it a bit easier. I'm hoping to pass before I'm 30 so that gives me 7 months - wish me luck!
2. Finalise Christmas products for my shop
Running a handmade shop, Christmas is supposed to be the busiest time of year. For me though, specialising in wedding products, it is definitely summer time! I'm looking to expand my products and branch out into Christmas decorations and gifts. I do usually make a few bits and bobs but nothing really significant, so if anyone has any ideas as to what they'd like sewn for Christmas please share them with me!
3. Book October holidays
Living on a windswept island, trees and forests are pretty hard to come by as they just get blown away! Although my house is surrounded by trees, they're not the kind of trees that turn orange in autumn with beautifully fallen leaves, so I'm hoping to spend the school holidays back in Inverness. There are so many forests and beauty spots for autumn walks, it was honestly my favourite thing about living there, so I just can't face an autumn without it this year.
4. Finish organising my house
So we've been in our house now for 5 months and are far from being organised. I'm wanting to get things in order before it gets colder and I lose motivation in the winter months. I did actually begin this task at the weekend and my house now looks like a disaster zone - things get worse before they get better though, right?
5. Have more family time
Part of the reason for our big move back to the island was to be closer to family - I grew up with family on my doorstep and the freedom to play outdoors safely, so I wanted the same for my son. My husband works offshore and will soon be going away until Christmas so we have to make the most of any time we have together.
6. Finalise Halloween/Christmas lists
Ok, now this might sound a bit sad (well the Halloween party at least) but I just love any excuse for a celebration, and a lot of the fun for me is in the planning! I think it must be a family thing because most of my clan are obsessed with making lists, whenever an event is mentioned it's a race to see who can pull out their notepad first to start the lists! Also, not gonna lie, I've had my Halloween costume planned for over a year. I'm not usually that organised but I didn't get out last year so really it's last year's plan just a bit late. I'm also very embarrassed that I haven't actually planned or bought a Christmas present yet, I usually like to start in at least July to spread things out. By the end of this month I want to have bought pieces for my costume and have a concrete Christmas list with potentially some purchases too.
6. Finalise Halloween/Christmas lists
Ok, now this might sound a bit sad (well the Halloween party at least) but I just love any excuse for a celebration, and a lot of the fun for me is in the planning! I think it must be a family thing because most of my clan are obsessed with making lists, whenever an event is mentioned it's a race to see who can pull out their notepad first to start the lists! Also, not gonna lie, I've had my Halloween costume planned for over a year. I'm not usually that organised but I didn't get out last year so really it's last year's plan just a bit late. I'm also very embarrassed that I haven't actually planned or bought a Christmas present yet, I usually like to start in at least July to spread things out. By the end of this month I want to have bought pieces for my costume and have a concrete Christmas list with potentially some purchases too.
Do you make yourself monthly goals? And more importantly, do you stick to them??
SEPTEMBER GOALS
Monday 4 September 2017
(sticky notes: Primark)
Each month I like to begin by making a list of all the things I need to or want to achieve during that time. Some can be basic little things (that I probably should have done the previous month) and others are part of a larger long term goal. This month in particular is a very important one for me as I have some major long tern life prep to get underway, so here are my aims:
1. Begin driving lessons
Yes, at the ripe old age of 29 I am FINALLY about to begin driving lessons. I've put it off for so long now with so many excuses, "I don't need it I live in a city" "it's too expensive" "I'm too busy with life", but there is just no putting it off any longer. Living in a remote area it is nigh on impossible to get around without driving, and the bike just isn't gonna cut it in the wild winter months. Thankfully a very lovely friend of mine has just qualified as an instructor so I'm hoping having a familiar face with me will calm me down a bit and make it a bit easier. I'm hoping to pass before I'm 30 so that gives me 7 months - wish me luck!
2. Finalise Christmas products for my shop
Running a handmade shop, Christmas is supposed to be the busiest time of year. For me though, specialising in wedding products, it is definitely summer time! I'm looking to expand my products and branch out into Christmas decorations and gifts. I do usually make a few bits and bobs but nothing really significant, so if anyone has any ideas as to what they'd like sewn for Christmas please share them with me!
3. Book October holidays
Living on a windswept island, trees and forests are pretty hard to come by as they just get blown away! Although my house is surrounded by trees, they're not the kind of trees that turn orange in autumn with beautifully fallen leaves, so I'm hoping to spend the school holidays back in Inverness. There are so many forests and beauty spots for autumn walks, it was honestly my favourite thing about living there, so I just can't face an autumn without it this year.
4. Finish organising my house
So we've been in our house now for 5 months and are far from being organised. I'm wanting to get things in order before it gets colder and I lose motivation in the winter months. I did actually begin this task at the weekend and my house now looks like a disaster zone - things get worse before they get better though, right?
5. Have more family time
Part of the reason for our big move back to the island was to be closer to family - I grew up with family on my doorstep and the freedom to play outdoors safely, so I wanted the same for my son. My husband works offshore and will soon be going away until Christmas so we have to make the most of any time we have together.
6. Finalise Halloween/Christmas lists
Ok, now this might sound a bit sad (well the Halloween party at least) but I just love any excuse for a celebration, and a lot of the fun for me is in the planning! I think it must be a family thing because most of my clan are obsessed with making lists, whenever an event is mentioned it's a race to see who can pull out their notepad first to start the lists! Also, not gonna lie, I've had my Halloween costume planned for over a year. I'm not usually that organised but I didn't get out last year so really it's last year's plan just a bit late. I'm also very embarrassed that I haven't actually planned or bought a Christmas present yet, I usually like to start in at least July to spread things out. By the end of this month I want to have bought pieces for my costume and have a concrete Christmas list with potentially some purchases too.
6. Finalise Halloween/Christmas lists
Ok, now this might sound a bit sad (well the Halloween party at least) but I just love any excuse for a celebration, and a lot of the fun for me is in the planning! I think it must be a family thing because most of my clan are obsessed with making lists, whenever an event is mentioned it's a race to see who can pull out their notepad first to start the lists! Also, not gonna lie, I've had my Halloween costume planned for over a year. I'm not usually that organised but I didn't get out last year so really it's last year's plan just a bit late. I'm also very embarrassed that I haven't actually planned or bought a Christmas present yet, I usually like to start in at least July to spread things out. By the end of this month I want to have bought pieces for my costume and have a concrete Christmas list with potentially some purchases too.
Do you make yourself monthly goals? And more importantly, do you stick to them??
With the Great British Bake Off back on our screens, I though that I would share with you a rather fabulous recipe which I came across this summer. But first, Bake Off - what do you think of the new setup? I, like most of the nation, was extremely sceptical of the new line up. I still am really (I mean who could honestly ever get over the loss of Mary Doll??) but I actually quite enjoyed the first episode. I warmed to the contestants really quickly which is essentially what the program is all about, the contestants. It'll never be the same as before but I have accepted the change and I will get over it, one day.
Now, back to the cake. Every year since I can remember my mother's garden has sprouted a crop of rhubarb, and every year the only thing we ever make with it is rhubarb crumble. Feeling adventurous, I decided to head over to Pinterest in search of some inspiration to inject a bit more excitement into our rhubarb. Now my cooking and baking skills are fairly limited, I tend to make the same old things I know I can do semi well, but occasionally I fancy myself as a bit of a Nigella and I make something completely out of my usual comfort zone. I came across this recipe for rhubarb and custard traybake and thought that it would be within my realm of capabilities. I know that rhubarb and custard are not everyone's cup of tea, but this was honestly the most delicious cake I have every made - it was so moist and just the right amount of sweetness. I know that the season for homegrown rhubarb has past now but I'm sure it's something which you can still pick up in supermarkets if you fancied giving it a go (recipe below).
The recipe came from Waitrose and can be found here - I don't have a waitrose nearby so I substituted their Madagascan vanilla custard for your bog-standard supermarket tin and it was still divine. I also didn't bother with the crushed sugar on top nor did I bother weighing my rhubarb, it's one of those things that is better judged in line with personal preference I think. You may notice that mine didn't exactly look like the original either but hey, who's ever does? That's the beauty of a traybake - you cut it out from a giant slab so it doesn't have to look perfectly finished. And the cube shape make them easier to pick up so you can't help but eat 5 or 6 in a single sitting...
RHUBARB AND CUSTARD TRAYBAKE
With the Great British Bake Off back on our screens, I though that I would share with you a rather fabulous recipe which I came across this summer. But first, Bake Off - what do you think of the new setup? I, like most of the nation, was extremely sceptical of the new line up. I still am really (I mean who could honestly ever get over the loss of Mary Doll??) but I actually quite enjoyed the first episode. I warmed to the contestants really quickly which is essentially what the program is all about, the contestants. It'll never be the same as before but I have accepted the change and I will get over it, one day.
Now, back to the cake. Every year since I can remember my mother's garden has sprouted a crop of rhubarb, and every year the only thing we ever make with it is rhubarb crumble. Feeling adventurous, I decided to head over to Pinterest in search of some inspiration to inject a bit more excitement into our rhubarb. Now my cooking and baking skills are fairly limited, I tend to make the same old things I know I can do semi well, but occasionally I fancy myself as a bit of a Nigella and I make something completely out of my usual comfort zone. I came across this recipe for rhubarb and custard traybake and thought that it would be within my realm of capabilities. I know that rhubarb and custard are not everyone's cup of tea, but this was honestly the most delicious cake I have every made - it was so moist and just the right amount of sweetness. I know that the season for homegrown rhubarb has past now but I'm sure it's something which you can still pick up in supermarkets if you fancied giving it a go (recipe below).
The recipe came from Waitrose and can be found here - I don't have a waitrose nearby so I substituted their Madagascan vanilla custard for your bog-standard supermarket tin and it was still divine. I also didn't bother with the crushed sugar on top nor did I bother weighing my rhubarb, it's one of those things that is better judged in line with personal preference I think. You may notice that mine didn't exactly look like the original either but hey, who's ever does? That's the beauty of a traybake - you cut it out from a giant slab so it doesn't have to look perfectly finished. And the cube shape make them easier to pick up so you can't help but eat 5 or 6 in a single sitting...
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