Saturday 27 September 2014

Ciao For Now


I'm off to Siena with my two besties for a few days of food, culture, relaxation, food, wine, sunshine oh and erm more food. I lived in Siena for about a year whilst at Uni and so it holds some super special memories for me. I cannot wait to get back there. I will probably be posting some pics on Instagram if you want to follow along. 

See you on the other side!

Claire x
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Friday 26 September 2014

Gotcha'

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It's Friday! A little rebellion is allowed. 

What are your weekend plans? I'm doing a little celebration dance as I'm heading off to Tuscany tomorrow. Oooooh yeeeah.  

Claire x 
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Thursday 25 September 2014

Put a Shelf on It

There's a longstanding joke between my husband and our best friends about my husband's obsession with putting up shelves. When we first moved into our house we needed to create quick and cheap storage solutions and this included several shelf installations. It seemed that every other week we'd put a new shelf up somewhere and our friends now like to imply that it's the only DIY that my husband is capable of. (Completely untrue, obviously, as the hubs is always giving DIY a go - see here).  

However, I may be adding to the 'shelf-myth' as I want some new shelves in our spare bedroom-come-office. Here's the inspiration I've been gleaning from Pinterest:

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I am quite taken with the clean lines of the wire shelving units. The wire system adds a bit more interest than floating shelves and also doubles up as book ends. Ikea has a good, budget-friendly set which I've got my eyes on. Just think of all the #shelfie pics I could take if I get these installed ;-)

What do you think of the current trend for wire shelving? 

Claire x
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Wednesday 24 September 2014

5 / One Pic Wednesday

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I'm sorry, can we just take a moment to bask in the glory of this New York penthouse and it's altogether amazing style and views. 

Ah. Thank you. 

This Soho apartment, owned by Kirsten Dunst, instantly caught my eye. I was drawn to it's simple, uncomplicated look. The furniture is understated and not a single element tries to take anything away from those stunning views. I particularly love the various seating areas, the exposed brick and the enlarged black and white photo balancing against the window. I'd happily cuddle up on the sofa with a glass of red and watch the sunset over the Hudson any day. 

Pretty darn close to perfection.  

Claire x
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Monday 22 September 2014

Headless Chicken

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Hello, Monday morning. 

I hope everyone had a lovely Saturday and Sunday. My extended weekend was full of fun but also plenty of relaxation. This week I will mostly be back to running around like a headless chicken whilst trying to make sure I have everything ready for my 'girls trip' to Tuscany. Only 5 days to go! To say I am excited, would be an understatement. 

What are your plans for the week? 

Claire x
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Saturday 20 September 2014

#MFDF14

I had a few spare annual leave days to take off from work and so I've been enjoying my extended five day weekend. Quality downtime was certainly required and it's happily coincided with my husband's days off. Bonus!
Manchester Town Hall

Cute design for MFDF14's event guide
We took Thursday afternoon to head to Manchester's Food and Drink Festival. The sun was shining (albeit through some smoggy clouds) and Albert Square was looking particularly glorious and smelling unusually scrumptious, thanks to all the fabulous street food vendors that had gathered there. 

Mmm pizza, cider tent, Albert Square and Fundi Pizza's self-built wood-fired pizza oven
After a quick recce of the area we decided on a pepperoni wood-fired pizza from Fundi Pizza, washed down with a cider for me and a beer for the hubs. The pizza was delicious with the pepperoni offering a nice hint of spice combined with a crisp pizza base and smooth cheese all making for a rather happy snack. Our only observation was that the chilli oil was not as spicy as it could have been, but then again we are lovers of spice. 
The super friendly Hip Hop Chip Shop and their delicious wares
We soaked up some more sun and enjoyed the building atmosphere enhanced by the beautiful music of Fabian Emmanuel and Farah Elle pouring out from the beer tent. I then opted for a yummy glass of prosecco from Vin Van Vroom (hello, prosecco on tap - must get one of those installed at my house ;-) paired with untraditional fish and chips from The Hip Hop Chip Shop. This included bite size pieces of battered coley, triple fried chips, perfectly seasoned mushy peas and THE best spicy onion rings I have EVER tasted.  I am not exaggerating. The onions were soft and tender on the inside and all wrapped up in a spicy, crispy, scrumptious batter. If you go to MFDF this year then you must give them a try. 
'Cheers!' Vin Van Vroom, Albert Square, Fair Game with Crepe Lucette and Reds True BBQ telling it like it is
MFDF14 has got it so right and it is definitely worth your while popping by if you get a chance. Great buzz, great food and drink in a great city. We will no doubt be back next year as it is fast becoming an annual treat for my husband and I. 

Claire x
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Friday 12 September 2014

Stop

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Do you remember to do this? I know that I am guilty of getting a little bogged down with the daily grind and can sometimes forget to stop and appreciate the wonderful things I already have going on.

Today I am thankful for my supportive family, my beautiful home and my health.

Claire x 
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Wednesday 10 September 2014

4 / One Pic Wednesday

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This rather perfect little picture appeared on my Pinterest home feed and I fell for it. Open shelving is something I would LOVE in my kitchen but there is abso-blummin-lutely no way I will ever bite the bullet and make the move away from cupboards. I rely far too much on my those little cupboard doors to hide away all my messy evidence. The above pic is how I would like my kitchen to look in an ideal world. We're pretty close already as we have the butcher's-block counter tops, the belfast sink and white subway tiles. I just need some traditional Falcon enamelware (and maybe some golden eggs) and we'd be all set. It's already on my #wishlist ;-)

Claire x
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Tuesday 9 September 2014

Co-ords

I'm not a fashion super fan, I'm more of an admirer-from-the-sidelines kinda gal and I certainly don't put myself in the 'fashionable' bracket. I don't enjoy shopping, for starters, which means no matter what I do, I can never keep up with the latest trends. 

I have, however, been admiring the fashion over the pond at New York Fashion Week and there is one look I would love to replicate and that's the 'co-ord' trend. This stands for co-ordinates and can also be known as 'twin sets' or 'matching-top-and-bottoms' for those less into the lingo (aka me).  

It's such a lovely and easy look for anyone and everyone to wear, it's been going strong for a couple of seasons now and I am on the look out for the perfect set.  I'm trying to create more of a 'capsule' style wardrobe (inspired by Rebecca over at Florence Finds - although I am definitely not 'post-baby') and so I'd like it if I could mix it up and wear the co-ord separately for a different look altogether. 

The look can be worn for day or night, work or play.  Here are a few that have caught my eye:
boohoo
BANK
Missguided
Asos
Have you co-ordinated already? Which look do you prefer?  Plain and simple or floral and bold?

Claire x
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Monday 8 September 2014

Oops

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Well, it looks as though I've taken an impromptu two week break from blogging.  Not quite sure what happened there, sorry!  

I've been feeling a little uninspired so I am back on the search for my mojo and hopefully some beautiful interiors whilst I'm at it.  Thanks for sticking with me.

Claire x
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