Happy Friday

Had a rain soaked, tired toddler, manic mum Friday but when I saw this it cheered me straight. Gotta get a pretty bike. and a dog. with a bandana.

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Have a happy healthy weekend XX

Stepping into Spring

Although not even the hardest of snowdrops seem to be brave enough to show themselves yet, I have a feeling that Spring is in the air. Ok, maybe not in my garden yet but definitely wherever I look for inspiration.

I have noticed lately that a lot of the pinsters I follow have started pinning more and more rooms with happy bursts of colour. Whether this is conscious or not, it seems we are craving some buds of brightness in these final dark days of winter. Here are a few that have caught my eye this week...

How can this slice of sunshine not cheer anyone up? What I love with nearly all of these rooms is how the bright bursts of colour are all accessories, take them away and the room has a neutral base that can be quickly changed to give a whole new feel. Genius

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Sorbet colours are so pretty, mix and match with plenty of white and you can't go wrong for full on feminine charm..

Now this I love: mismatched chairs, painted furniture and a window nook - what could make for a more cheery breakfast area? More on this property next week...

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Lastly, blooming marvellous...

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XX

Fashion Thursday - French Connections New Collection

I like what I see over at French Connection at the moment. Their new collection for Spring '13 had me at hello. 

I'm adoring the spotty blouse with peter pan collar, this is a piece that could be worn dressed up or down or to the office.

On the other hand the 'Spring Blooms' dress is just so pretty it screams English Rose. I'm thinking this is the perfect outfit for Wimbledon - or anywhere else where afternoon tea is mandatory! Bring on Spring Time!

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DIY Wednesday - Five Faves of February

Here's a little look at my five favourite DIYs of February (don't say that too quickly!). With half term looming I am aiming to do a few of these with the boys to pass the time away. I always look out for DIYs that are realistically doable for me i.e. quick and simple! Are there any here you fancy recreating?

Fringe Banner DIY

Tutorial here

Hand Painted Envelopes

Via here

DIY Dip Dye Neon Planters

Click through here to full tutorial

A bit scary for me as it contains bulbs and wires! But I love these bulb letters...

DIY Marquee Letters

Tutorial here

And lastly, one for my boys...

DIY Dino Terrarium

Tutorial here

xx

Happy Friday

Have an inspirational weekend x

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Style Direction

Does your style direction wax and wane? Do you know what your 'style' is? I feel like I'm drawn to different styles constantly.

Lately I love to see spaces filled with glamour and neutrals but I also love rooms that have a rustic feel and I am habitually drawn to the feminine touches of colour...

But what I really love is spaces that balance all of these factors, these are the rooms that take my breath away!

My favourite heart stopping deal breakers:

The feminine chic touch of orchids in any room
Lots of white
Trims and accents of black
Shots of pink or purple
Chunks of amethyst
Faux fur
White or pink roses
Pattern: pretty in pinks, animal always, black and white stripes and dots
Gold frames and accents

Look and love dear readers...

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Birthday Weekend

{Beautiful flowers for my nest}

(a trip to oxford complete with burgers and the best ever milkshakes at Byrons}

{an amazing meal at The Hand and Flowers, Marlow}

What a lucky girl I am! X

Back in the Game

Well this little blog has been neglected for too long! After a crazy few months moving (again!) and being very busy on all fronts I am now back and firing on all cylinders!

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January is a love hate month for me. It sees awful weather and short days with the hangover from Christmas and so long till Spring but it's also mine and my best friend's birthday month. It can be hard to feel energised and motivated when it is dark and cold but strangely I do!

The new year to me feels like a new diary all fresh and empty reading to be filled. I like to plan a lot in January, just little things plotted out for the unfolding year ahead like little seeds waiting to bloom... it give purpose and something to look forward to in these dark days. Do you do this too? Are you you in hibernation till the Spring?!

I love the idea of this stylish diy filing box above. Not only is it a great way to stay organised it then turns into a lovely keepsake when the year is done. Instead of months you could divide it up for projects, rooms, clients or inspiration styles. This may be my weekend project, I have so many empty boxes since Christmas!

Another thing I find helps with the January Blues is giving yourself a little post Christmas treat. It doesn't have to be costly, but something that gives you a quick pick me up.  As we are going out for my birthday I went all out for a bright red dress...

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after gleaning inspiration from this outfit...

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so will be pairing with thick black tights for this cold January weekend! Whether yours is as freezing or hot and sunny - enjoy! x

Tailored Masculine/Feminine

... is how I'm feeling right now...

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How about you? X

Snippets from Summer

Here's a few shots of from our holiday in Cornwall.

We were very lucky with the weather, it had been miserable for weeks but we had blue skies for the entirety!

Port Isaac - where Doc Martin is filmed

Fresh shellfish at Port Isaac Harbour

A beautiful cove outside of Newquay called Lusty Glaze!

St Michael's Mount near Penzance

People walking along the causeway at St Michaels Mount - we got the boat!

St Ives

We stayed at a uber child friendly hotel called Sands just outside of Newquay. I had been so worried about the weather I wanted somewhere with things for kids to do just in case. It's a friendly, welcoming, great value hotel with loads of facilities and can see why it's won it's many tripadvisor awards. Their outside space for kids was amazing with zipwires, bouncy castle, swimming pool, tennis courts etc.

We've decided though that next time we want to try the Watergate Bay Hotel a few further miles up the coast. It's had a major revamp and the new decor is gorgeous - fun and fresh with lots of bold striped wallpaper, floor boards and a hit of nautical. I think it gets the balance of child friendly and chic just right.

It's right on the beach at Watergate Bay (obvs!) and across the road from Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant where we had an amazing dinner one night watching the surfers until it grew dark.

The balcony bar at Watergate Bay Hotel

Dinner at Watergate Bay Hotel

Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall

Lusty Glaze at sunset

Our last supper at Lusty Glaze, steak and seafish on hot stones

We loved it and will definitely be back next year, fingers crossed the weather is kind to us again!