Monday Motivation // Punch Today in the Face

March 21, 2016

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

March 20, 2016

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

March 18, 2016












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

March 17, 2016


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 ...



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.



"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

March 16, 2016



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

March 15, 2016


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: Jean (extrapetite)



Pinterest Board: Christine 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

March 14, 2016

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?