Monday Motivation // Screw Perfection

Awesome downloadable print from WiseTypes

I couldn't say it better myself! Scream it from the rooftops: SCREW PERFECTION! I am, a self confessed perfectionist. I don't tell people this because I am in fact no where near perfect, but I am an aspiring perfectionist! And it is tiring! Getting up early to sort my mop of hair and put make up on, spending every moment when I get home tidying, cleaning and rearranging our flat, and worrying about what my cupboards look like incase friends look in them! And you know what ... Screw It!! Who cares if I don't have any make up on, or my bedlinen isn't folded nicely and I admit it ... I have a full on Monica cupboard!! (Hands up all you Friends fans!)

Screw Perfection Mini Print from Society6

Such a stereotypical female example but ... I recently went on holiday with my other half, and for 80% of the time didn't wear make up ... It's such a small but also liberating feeling. He liked that I didn't have any on, for one I didn't moan at him for nearly smudging my eyebrow off, and men do in fact like women without make up! So here's to screwing perfection and just straight up enjoying life *raises glass*

Who's with me?!

Monday Motivation // Put On Your Positive Pants

Print found here - $16.00

Negativity is such a prominent issue in every ones life, and it appears to be one that is becoming more and more prominent in the world. From work, to home and even into bigger situations, you cannot go anywhere without hearing some form of negativity. A video popped up on my Facebook feed the other morning on a rare 'Facebook checking' moment and it was of a couple of young guys shouting at a South African man to move back to his country, a man that had lived in the UK as a British Citizen for nearly thirty years, which is nearly twice as young as these boys has been alive. Everywhere you turn you hit negativity, so I think everyone should 'Put On Your Positive Pants'!

Print from here - £9.32 (the foil comes in a choice of 8 colours too!)

"Research is beginning to reveal that positive thinking is about much more than just being happy or displaying an upbeat attitude. Positive thoughts can actually create real value in your life and help you build skills that last much longer than a smile." The Science of Positive Thinking

Be more positive in your day to day life, you might not change the opinions of some ignorant people, but spin work situations in a positive way for your colleagues and make them see the good in something, this is something I am dealing with at the moment. It is a testing time, with a lot of moves and makes people feel uncertain. But looking on the bright side or being positive just brings everyone up around you.

So whenever you see think something negative just 'Put On Your Positive Pants' and smile!

Recipe // Sweet Summer Salad

I don't know about you but I am loving this weather warming up (apart from the odd April showers!), and the sunshine peeking through the clouds makes me inspired. I whipped up this little salad whilst enjoying some evening sunshine and thought I would share this with you, Throw some salad leaves, some fruit and of course ... some cheese in a bowl and I think this is my new Spring, Summer dinner favourite!

Ingredients

- Bowl full of salad leaves
- Half a cucumber
- Handful of strawberries
- 3tbsp Pomegranate seeds
- Desired amount of Feta Cheese
- Salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar to serve

Just throw the above ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

What's your favourite salad mix?

Spring Fashion Staples

Seeing as we are in full Spring now, and the weather is starting to warm up *fingers crossed*, I thought I would share with you my favourite Spring clothing items to throw on in one of my favourite times of year!

Striped T-Shirt

The striped t-shirt is such a classic, like the LBD. And this Spring is no different, all of the high street and online stores have different styles, colours and stripe sizes, so you are bound to find one that suits you. It can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels, or dressed down with boyfriend jeans and trainers and perfect for this time of year.

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Cropped jeans

Jeans are all cropped this season! If you're brave enough then the cropped flare is the biggest trend of the season. I am not that brave so will be purchasing some cropped skinny jeans instead, showing just that hint of ankle (Give it a bit of sun ready for Summer), if you get the right length for your height then they can lengthen your legs.

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Chambray Shirt
Another classic trend, making a bigger mark this season is the Chambray Shirt. These are so versatile, and you can always find one to fit your style. Long, cropped, fitted, baggy, wear them open or buttoned all the way to the top! (See I told you they were versatile!)

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Bomber Jackets
The epitome of an off day outer layer, bombers are everywhere this season. They are the perfect item to just throw on over your casual day outfit or to dress down your evening look! A black bomber is a classic, but why not jazz it up with a ___ one?!

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White Trainers
I cannot tell you how happy I am that trainers are still here, and they seem to be staying. Throw on you cropped jeans with some Stan Smiths or KSwiss and you're ready to go! In the evening pair these with a lose dress and a bomber jacket for a casual Spring evening look.

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What are your favourite Spring Staples?

Monday Motivation // Think Less Do More

Lovely Print from 3littlewordsprint on Etsy

This is one problem that I, and probably most other people in this day and age struggle with. I want to turn my jewellery making into a business, I want to blog regularly (failing at that at the moment), take up running, there are things for work I want to do from home, as well as turn my flat in to a show home and as a result, I don't do anything as there are so many things running through my head I am not sure which to do first.

Beautiful Print from Becki Clark on notonthehighstreet.com

So lets all resolve to 'Think Less' and 'Do More'. Focus on one thing for this week ... Schedule a few weeks' worth of blog posts, run three times a week or whatever it is that you want to work on, and think about everything else less.

What would you like to think about less? And what would you like to do more of?

Monday Motivation // Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

This lovely print is from Inksandletters on Society6

'Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone'

Your softest jogging bottoms, your favourite herbal tea and your favourite books, are the right kind of comfort. The comfort that I am talking about is when you are too nervous to ask for a pay rise, not starting that business you've always dreamed of for fear of failure or even being being scared of moving out.

This is the comfort zone that is hindering, not helping you. I am that exact person that likes my little comfort zone, doing the same thing every day makes me smile inside, but that is not helping me! *shakes finger at self*. Everything outside your comfort zone is scary, unpredictable and unknown, but that is where life begins. So today I challenge you to do one thing out of your comfort zone, talk to a stranger on the bus, buy the domain name for your first web store or set up a meeting with a mortgage advisor! 

Lovely lovely print from MisterMotivate on Etsy

What would you like to do out of your comfort zone?

Above is a free printable from detail-verliebte

Monday Motivation // Punch Today in the Face

Gorgeous printable from designsbykellylynn on Etsy

A little bit more aggressive than the usual Monday Motivations, and for me probably more effective. Just looking at this print makes me want to just write lists and smash them! I'm not sure what it is about this phrase, but it just kick starts my motivation!

Print from popmap.com - £17.90

Here's a link to a gorgeous free printable as well ... Print it, stick it on your wall and 'Punch Today in the Face!'.

What's your favourite motivational quote?

Hello Spring

Image from AngieMake.com

Today, the 20th March, marks the official first day of Spring! I'm not sure anyone has let the weather know yet ... but things are looking up. Whilst walking in the park the other day with Ryan, I was discussing my love for Spring and I think if Spring had a word, it would be 'Optimism'. Spring definitely has a lot of promises; The promise of warmer weather, The promise of my favourite flowers, The promise of longer days, and alfresco dining. It's all a bit too exciting!

Plant something.
It's a little late to plant your Spring bulbs now, but you can get in the garden and start planting your Summer bulbs. Or if you're in a flat then head down to your local garden centre and grab some already grown in some lovely pots to bring Spring in.

Picnic in the Park.
There are so many gorgeous parks in London, so pack a bag and head out. There's Hyde Park, Regents Park, Battersea Park, Holland Park and so may more. They are just a few of my favourites.

Bike Ride.
In London, my favourite place to ride a Santander bike is along the the Thames River path. We're by Wandsworth Bridge. So heading West towards Putney and through to Barnes. Or right towards and around Battersea Park.

Bake cupcakes.
With Easter just around the corner, why not get into the kitchen and bake some Easter nest cupcakes, or even some Bunny shapes cookies!

Fill your home with the most beautiful flowers.
This time of year, all my favourite flowers are in season. Daffodils, Tulips, Peonies and Ranunculus. So head to the flower market, grab as many bunches as you can carry and fill your home.

Or head to one of the many Spring like events in London. A few are listed below;

The Boat Race, Putney to Mortlake (27 March).
One of the oldest sporting events in the world, this year is the 162nd Boat Race and the 71st Womens Boat Race. Watch at many points along the river with friends, and drinks. It is one of those events that signifies the start of Spring.

London Coffee Festival at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane (9-10 April).
Being a coffee addict lover this is my idea of heaven. Filling the Old Truman Brewery with stalls of coffee, tea, food, coffee demonstrations. You can learn how to make the best coffee at home, latte art, even chocolate making and ho to pair your coffee with chocolate. Doesn't it sound like heaven to you too?! Limited tickets remain so if you want to go then act fast. Standard tickets are £14,50 online, £20.00 on the door.

London Marathon (24 April).
Join the crowds and shout encouragement to the runners. Find your spot along the river and settle in, cheer on everyone and your friends. Stop in a pub on the way and raise a glass to the runners.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide opening (TBC).
The UK's tallest structure, and the symbol of the Olympic Park, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is being turned into a slide! There is no more info out yet and to opening date but keep your eyes peeled for it, would be amazing to do this Spring.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show (24-28 May)
Probably the epitome of Spring. Have a wander round the flower show getting ideas for your garden, buying up some beautiful items and generally soaking up all the Spring loveliness!

What's your favourite thing to do in Spring?

6 of the best // Bedside Tables

Beautifully styled bedside table from stylecurator

Bedside tables can really make the room, they frame the bed and can add some well needed storage. I have been on a hunt lately for some for our bedroom and it's harder than you think! I want them to be white, maybe with a hint of light oak, and because we live in a small flat they have specific measurements. Whilst I have not found my perfect ones yet, on my search I have come across some beautiful ones and thought I would share 6 of my favourites ...

Of course West Elm was the first place I looked. They have some stunning Mid Century looking pieces (which happens to be my favourite style!), it was tough to narrow down my favourite one which I think is this Reclaimed Wood and Lacquer Bedside Table: £299.00

I love the mix of the rough, reclaimed wood with the smooth lacquer. The practicality of one drawer to hide personal items from visitors and an open space for you current books, or magazines is just perfect. If it was slightly narrower this would be by my bed as we speak. To top this off with brass legs and a handle ... ok, I'm stopping now. West Elm have amazing service, you can view everything in their Tottenham Court Road store (which is insane, and definitely worth a visit) and delivery is super quick!

On to the next ... this one is from a brand which I have recently discovered through my bedside table hunt and all of their furniture is amazing, and at such affordable prices. This is the Trocadero Bedside Table from Maisons Du Monde: £169.90

Made from solid mango wood, and inspired by vintage 60s furniture, I love the wooden surround on the top to stop things falling off (I have done this too many times!). This gorgeous bedside table just screams elegance.

Another wonderfully elegant and minimal bedside table is the Latymer Bedside Table from Made: £129.00

I love how minimal this one is, with the mixture of white and wood and the highlight of the black legs and handles. Delivery from Made is super quick, but they can have varied lead times. So just check them when you order so you're aware.

Ok so, probably my favourite of them all, when I found this Giogio White and Copper Bedside Table from Graham and Green: £295.00, I immediately fell in love!

It has everything any one would want in a bedside table. Copper for one, which is still a huge trend in 2016 against the white wash on the rest of the bedside table. I don't think I need to say anything else! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Not as well know for their furniture, I found the beautiful Edith Side Table from notonthehighstreet: £275.00

It's super simple, and minimal. I really like the 'O' shape of the top, and the long elegant legs. It's a nice shape and also extremely versatile.

Lastly is the Randall Bedside Table from Swoon Editions: £129.00

It's a bit of a mix of everything I like from the other bedside tables. The white, with the oak, the edge on the top. Just missing a cubby hole and some copper and it would be perfect!

I hope you've found something you like here!

What does your bedside table look like?

Colour Crush // Spring into Spring

Spring is officially only 2days away, and Easter only a week! I am so looking forward to longer and brighter days, with the smell of freshly cut grass and the general sense of everything feeling happier! So above are a few inspirational pastel Spring like images from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board to get us all in the Spring mood!

Enjoy ...

Interiors Trend // 3D Wall Coverings

I was browsing Graham & Brown's website the other day for some wallpaper for a project I am working on at home when I came across two wallpapers from Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo. Yes you heard that right ... Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo! The results from this collaboration are beautiful and so unusual, check them out ...

Enigma

Enigma

Currently the collection from this pairing brings us two designs. Enigma; giving the impression of protruding pillars from the wall, and Paradox; which replicates angled stone jutting out from the wall. Both murals are digitally printed, and each measuring 2.5m x 4m. Adding these into your home, or any home will create the illusion of more space within the home, they have been designed purely to create these illusions within the space.

Paradox

Paradox

"When Dynamo and I initially met and started discussing the idea of an illusion wallpaper, I had no idea how fascinating it would be to work on such a different project! Having been in the design industry for 40 years, there isn't much I haven't done, but magic was new to me and I enjoyed every second. I like to think I create magic in peoples homes on a daily basis but now I can say I have done the real things, with the mystery man himself!" - Kelly Hoppen

"I wanted to bring a bit of magic into people's homes and after chatting with legendary interior designer Kelly Hoppen we came up together with the idea of magic inspired wallpaper prints. I'm thrilled with the results and even more delighted that part of the profits will go to the Princes Trust who were so key in helping me start my magical journey"

Brought together by both being ambassadors for The Prince's Trust, they are using this opportunity to, along with Graham & Brown give a percentage of the profits back to charity which is fantastic. They may be an unusual pairing, but I think that this has worked out amazingly, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes from them in the future!

What do you think of this collaboration?

Recipe // Chunky Tomato Soup

I don't know about you, but my weekends can go one of two ways. Either I am super productive, getting up early, buying fresh ingredients for meals that I have planned ahead. Or ... I spend the day in my pyjamas, and use up whatever I have in my fridge. All I seemed to have in my fridge last weekend were a ton of tomatoes, and what do you do with tomatoes ... soup! So along with a couple of fridge and cupboard foods a soup was born:

Ingredients

- 1 Cup of hot water
- 1 Vegetable stock cube
- 12 Salad Tomatoes
- 1 Punnet of Plum tomatoes
- 1 White onion
- 6 Cloves of garlic
- 2 Sweet Potatoes
- Handful of Basil leaves

Method

Put into a saucepan the hot water, stock cubes and all of the tomatoes. As these are simmering away, chop up the onion, garlic and potatoes, and throw them in along with the basil. Simmer for 20minutes and serve with some chunky buttered bread.

This recipe is so versatile that you can swap out the ingredients, maybe add in some courgettes, or carrots. If you have a little longer or want to get some more flavours then just leave the soup simmering for longer or chuck all the ingredients in a slow cooker.

What are your easy weekend recipes?

Inspired // Style Inspiration

I know that all of us get that down feeling when looking into your wardrobe, and try on seventeen different outfits before you leave the house! When I am feeling a little uninspired with my wardrobe, I like to take a little look at my favourite Pinterest boards, or my favourite Instagram accounts to get my inspiration flowing again, and thought I would share these with you ... Enjoy!

Instagrammer: Blonde Expeditions (kaitlinkeegan)

Instagrammer: Jean (extrapetite)

Instagrammer: Erica Hoida (fashionedchicstyling)

Instagrammer: Carrie Harwood (wishwishwish)

Instagrammer: Christine Andrew (hellofashionblog)

Pinterest Board: Kathryn Howard - My Style

Pinterest Board: Lauren Santo Domingo - Fashion- Street Style

Pinterest Board: eat/sleep/wear - Personal Style

Pinterest Board: Rochelle Romeril - Something a little Pretty...

Pinterest Board: Christine I View from 5ft2 - S T Y L E .

I hope you found a little inspiration here!

What are your favourite places for inspiration?

Motivational Monday // Do More Of What Makes You Happy

Beautiful floral print from Lochness Studio on Etsy

'Do More Of What Makes You Happy'

This might seem the most obvious statement. But it is sometimes too easy to do what makes other people happy, or do what you think should make you happy. So go out there and do just that! Sing, dance, read ... whatever it is, go out and do it! Life is to short to not focus on your own happiness, whether that be work related; staying in a job just because it is in the right field. Or even writing a book if you love writing, do more of what you love and what makes you happy!

This lovely gold print is from PaperStormPrints on Etsy

I am definitely adding this quote to my wall. I sometimes find myself sitting on the sofa watching TV for too long, yes I enjoy it, but I wouldn't say that I love it. I am starting my week feeling inspired, and excited once more, and I hope you are too!

What makes you happy?

Lazy Sunday Essentials

Image from Pinterest

I must say ... I think Sunday is my favourite day of the week! When I wake in the morning, with the sun coming through the curtains there's just this feeling of contentment. Still another day to relax and organise before the week ahead. The difference between a Sunday and Saturday for me, is that I usually chill in my pjs on a Saturday, thinking I have the whole weekend ahead of me. On Sunday I kick myself in to gear and get my chill on!

Image from Pinterest

Coffee - Being a serious coffee addict lover, it is the first thing I do on a Sunday morning. Either making a cafetiere if the other half is awake (usually not), or I will make myself a Lyon's coffee bag. The other half's uncle introduced us to these coffee bags over Christmas, they are exactly as they sound and I am not sure why they were not made earlier! Take the coffee bag and use them in the same way as tea, leaving it for longer if you prefer a stronger tea or less time for a weaker one. I must say they are super tasty, and the perfect slightly more indulgent coffee for a weekend.

Image from Brit+C0

Facial - I take the chance on a quiet Sunday morning to indulge in my weekly facial. I settle in my bathroom, watching a little catch up TV (at the moment: Bake Off!) and get to work. Lighting a candle, I'll start with a normal cleanser, cleaning away all the grime from the night before and follow on with an exfoliating cleanser. As I have oily skin I do not want to strip away too much oil, so do this once a week. I follow this up with a face mask giving my skin a deep cleanse, then on with a thick moisturiser, giving this time to sink in and then my eye cream. After this, I feel really refreshed and ready to start my day.

Image from TopInspired

Sunday Make-Up - Usually we will head out on a Sunday, for a quick shopping trip, a coffee, or my favourite ... a lazy walk along the river. So I never want to do a full face, especially after a facial, but I want to look alive. This consists of my Garnier BB Cream to even things out, MaxFactor Creme Puff Blush, My Holy Grail Mascara and Eyebrow Pencil, Maxfactor Masterpiece Max and Soap and Glory Archery Pencil and whatever lipstick I am feeling that day, probably something quite light and nude.

Image from StyleCaster

Clothes - Sunday's call for my Sunday uniform. This consists of some comfy jeans, usually my trainers, and the cosiest jumper I can find.

There is just nothing better than indulging in a lovely coffee, fresh faced and in cosy clothes ready to just chill.

What is your Sunday routine?