Category Archives: inspiration

A Cosy Home For Christmas*

09th December 2016

One of the things I really can’t wait for when I get to move out again is to make it my own. I’ll be renting so obviously I’ll be limited in how much I can do, but even though it’s still on the pretty distant horizon I’ve already been browsing around for ideas as to how I can make it nice and cosy. From picking out the perfect sofa to thinking about colour schemes and accessories- it’s probably the one thing that has softened the blow of moving back home (not that I am anything but grateful to my mum and dad) and is providing me with both motivation and excitement for a future I hadn’t actually contemplated.

With that in mind, and Christmas just around the corner (in case you’d forgotten) I’ve put together a little mood board/wish list of how I’d like my living room to look during the colder months. Honestly, I’m already so excited to decorate for my first Christmas living alone it’s a little bit pathetic!

Corner Sofa | Stag Head | Christmas Tree | Candle | Cookie Cutter Lights | Throw

I have a bit of a thing for corner sofas. I had one in my old flat and loved lounging on it, especially when covered in blankets and cushions. For some reason I find them a lot more appealing than a standard sofa for which I have no explanation!

As much as I love real Christmas trees I do rather like this pre-lit artificial one from Wilko – not only is it a bargain at £30 but it fits in rather nicely with my orangey/whitey/grey scheme.

The cookie cutter Christmas lights from NotOnTheHighStreet are probably top of my cosy home wish list. Paperchase also do some at a much better price but they aren’t online any longer so I started browsing NOTS and emerged half an hour later with rather a few items added to my favourites and these little beauties found as a more than acceptable replacement.

What does your dream cosy living room look like? Anyone else with me on the corner sofa love?

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Posted in christmas, inspiration, interiors, wish list

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Gift Inspiration: Stylish Watches from Accurist

07th December 2016
If I’m looking to give a really special gift to someone then one of the first things I look at is watches. I don’t know why but I find them easier to match to personality than say jewellery- perhaps because it’s easier to go for something classic that anyone will love whilst still retaining that special touch. Today’s gift inspiration comes from Accurist watches who have almost 70 years experience of creating watches that excel in style, reliability and quality. I’ve split this in to two parts with inspiration for both the men and the ladies in our lives- if you are looking to treat your other half or spoil mum and dad this Christmas then do read on…

one | two | three

I think the first watch would be perfect for the dads and grandads whilst the rose gold one would be brilliant for a fashion savvy other half or perhaps even brother if you’re feeling generous. The middle watch is just an excellent all rounder and a real classic piece.

one | two | three

I’d be utterly made up to receive any of the three watches in my ladies selection especially the middle one. Again I’ve gone with fairly classic designs which will suit any style personality, of course all with a rose gold edge which I’m still not over!

Have you ever been given a watch as a gift? What do you think of the idea? They also make a great little hint to someone who is always late…

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Posted in accessories, christmas, fashion, gifts, inspiration, shopping, wish list

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Gift Inspiration: Sealed with a Kiss by Dower & Hall

04th December 2016
So we’ve established by now that I think jewellery makes for the perfect gift come Christmas time- or any time and most of my gift guides this year have featured it heavily. I just can’t help it though, my inner magpie has been well and truly seduced by all the beautiful launches that have come out in time for the festive season and the new “Sealed with a Kiss” range by Dower & Hall is no exception.
The pendants in the collection (and there are far more than I’ve shown above, these are just a few of my favourites) are set with crystal glass at the front and back and hold delicate floating treasures and loose gemstones. There’s a symbol or six for every possible occasion and they make for a wonderful keepsake gift that has both the personal and sentimental touch that is so important when choosing the perfect present.

If you’re as captivated by the collection as I am then you can shop it both online and in store. The pieces are available in sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil with precious gemstones and crystal glass. Small and large sizes are available with several chain length options. Prices range from £148 to £195.

Which one would you most like to receive as a gift? I’m really rather taken by the triple star and white sapphire one myself.

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No money or goods changed hands for this post, I just really, REALLY love the collection!

Posted in brands I love, christmas, fashion, gifts, inspiration, jewellery, shopping

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Christmas Cheers with Cracker Drinks

29th November 2016
Somehow it’s almost December, the month where even I ditch my anti-social tendencies and join in with the many festive get togethers. I do love a good party as much as the next person- any excuse to dress up and go wild, but at the same time I think nothing beats a more intimate get together at a friend’s place where you can really sit down and catch up on the year just gone (because somehow we only manage to meet up in December every year and I bet I’m not alone in this!)

I might not be hosting in my flat this year but I’m all for improving my hostess skills ready for next Christmas when I’m determined I will be so when The Cracker Drinks Co. sent over some of their no added sugar fruit drinks and some cocktail/mocktail recipes I was quick off of the mark to get practising.

The Cracker Drinks Co. are experts are creating delicious fruity drinks with no added sugar meaning that the range is naturally lower in calories, averaging around 30% less calories per 100ml than 100% orange juice or added sugar juice drinks. It remains high in fruit content offering the added benefit of 1 of your 5 a day. The range is completely natural and free from any artificial sweeteners, with just Stevia to add a little extra sweetness.

The drinks come in five flavours, of which I was sent the three you can see above. Perfect for drinking alone or using to spice up your Christmas cocktails (with a mocktail recipe thrown in for the non-drinkers out there).

Flowers n Spice

Ingredients
35ml St Germain Liqueur
15ml Vanilla vodka
100ml Still and Cloudy Lemonade
25ml Soda Water

Method
Add all ingredients to an ice filled glass and briefly stir
Garnish
Lemon wedge and twist

Light and Spicy

Ingredients
35ml Vanilla Vodka
100ml Mango & Passion Fruit
25ml Ginger Beer

Method
Fill a glass with cubed ice then add all the ingredients, stir briefly then cap with crushed ice
Garnish
Lime Wedge

Nojito

Take 200ml Cracker Apple, Mint and Lime
Top up with a little sugar free soda water
Add some mint leaves and a squeeze of lime
Serve over ice
Garnish with mint and lime

All three of these drinks were so quick and easy to make, even if I did fail to remember to make up some ice cubes prior to making the drinks- fail! They were all delicious though, the Nojito was my favourite I think- the combination of flavours was just lovely and I’m a big fan of the alcoholic Mojito anyway…serve this up to any drivers/non-drinkers at a part and they’ll love you forever! It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite out of the two cocktails though- both were so different to each other and so unlike any drinks I’ve had before thanks to the unique combination of flavours in the mixers…both big hits with me and new staples on my party drinks menu (you know, if I held parties and had a drinks menu!)

Let me know what your favourite cocktails and mocktails are in the comments- I’d love to try them out, all in the name of research of course

I won’t lie, drinking these at 2pm was definitely a highlight of my especially dull and dreary day!

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Juices provided by The Cracker Drinks Co. to create this post, all other ingredients came from me (hence the lack of ice!)

Posted in christmas, friends, inspiration, recipes, review

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Gift Inspiration: Hello Harriet

26th November 2016
Today’s gifting inspiration post is one that combines some of my very favourite things- accessories, supporting a small business and CATS! I you’ve all been wondering when a purely cat themed gift guide would crop up…well, it’s here and it’s a good one!
Hello Harriet belongs to artist Harriet Gray and was set up in 2012 mainly as an excuse to create cute accessories for herself! Harriet’s products are inspired by the internet, half hearted feelings and all things cute- something I can really get behind! I first found Hello Harriet via Instagram, wonderful platform that it is for enabling endless wish lists and my interest peaked further when I found out it was also a fairly local brand to me (all of Harriet’s work comes direct from her home studio in Bath). Actually, after writing this post I’ve since popped along to a Bristol Etsy sellers pop-up shop where Hello Harriet products were for sale. I can confirm they are every bit as covetable in real life and I couldn’t resist a cheeky purchase of a rather sweet cat pin.

I’ve popped together just a small selection of some of my favourite wares in the image above (and they all feature cats, of course) but even if felines aren’t your thing then be sure to check out her shop for cuteness and sass galore!

A couple of my favourite products from Hello Harriet have to be the advent calendar (although you must order it this weekend to get it in time for December 1st) and the super quirky cat collar tags and matching necklaces. I’ve asked Santa for a necklace for myself and I did briefly consider getting a tag for Mae until she lost her second collar in the space of a fortnight, complete with tags and I realised she just couldn’t be trusted with something so cool!

Price wise you’ll find everything very purse friendly and the temporary tattoos and nail decals especially would make amazing stocking fillers for any cat lady (dog ladies too for that matter).

I strongly suggest dropping some serious hints by leaving laptop screens open on the Hello Harriet shop, I don’t think there’s anything on the site that I wouldn’t be delighted to receive and I know I won’t be the only one who feels that way…

Which items have caught your eye?

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Posted in brands I love, cats, christmas, gifts, inspiration, shopping

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