Wednesday Wish List

This week, I've mostly been lusting after all of Lindy Bop's latest arrivals, so it only seemed right that I dedicate this week's wish list entirely to my latest Lindy Bop crushes. Eighteen of them, to be precise. 

1 // 2 // 3

Since we're heading in to Autumn, it seems like an odd time of year for the arrival of new gingham sun dresses, but these Corinna swing dresses are absolutely perfect, so who cares? I want one in every colour! A girl can never own too much gingham.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

The Bonnie gingham swing dresses are so classic, and remind me of primary school dresses. (Ours were red and pink, but as my sisters and I were tall kids, our Mum usually made ours herself, so I think I only had a 'proper' one once). Now I'm tempted to buy one in every colour and live the dream! Ha ha! 

I'm also loving the pink Brittany lipstick-print dress. I already own in it blue, but the pink is just so pretty I might need it, too. The dress is amazing! It isn't just made of the most awesome lipstick and lip print fabric, but it has sleeves, a heart-shaped cut out to the back, and pockets! Yes, pockets! Heart-shaped pockets, to be exact. It's basically the most perfect dress in creation.

1 // 2

I'd quite like to own the two Bernadette lipstick print swing skirts, too.

1 // 2

The Gilda Paris border swing dress is so beautiful, and I love the bright, quirky handbag-print of the Emily shirt dress. 

1 // 2

The new border-print pieces are so eye-catching, and I'm particularly loving these gorgeous swing skirts. The Venice-bordered Contessa skirt is stunning, and the Carnaby Street Daniella looks so effortlessly cool and stylish.

1 // 2

My favourite pieces out of all the latest arrivals, have to be these Brittany heart print frocks. Just look at them! The ditsy heart prints are a fun alternative to polka dots, and the heart-shaped pockets, and cut out to the back, are such a cute touch. They're absolute perfection in my eyes!

1 // 2

These floral Dayton swing dresses have the most interesting floral prints, and I think I quite like them.

Annie red floral swing dress

And last but by no means least, is the Annie floral swing dress. I'm a little in love with it's gorgeous, bold floral print, and the style is so wearable.

If you'd like to see more of the pieces that catch my eye each week, check out my style wish list boards on Pinterest.

What's on your wish list this week?

Wednesday Wish List

This week I've got my beady little eyes on...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

It's not often I get excited about a piece of knitwear, but these cardis and sweaters from Lindy Bop are adorable. I love the red, white, and mustard colour palette, and the scalloped floral detail on the cardigans looks so pretty.

1 // 2

Lindy Bop have also just released the most amazing collection of dresses and skirts. Just look at how pretty these two beauties are! I need that Daniella black swan skirt in my life.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I'm in love with so many of Lindy Bop's new dresses; they're all stunning! The Delta black swan and Carnaby Street border swing dresses (#1 and #3) are particularly beautiful, and I'm dying to add them to my collection. I mean, just look at them; they're perfect! It seems they've already sold out since landing late last week, but I'm hoping they'll be restocked soon.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I'm loving the latest selection of Lyra dresses from Lady Vintage. The colour palette is gorgeous.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

One of my favourite things about Autumn is getting to wear cosy knit hats, scarves, and gloves again, and even though it's not quite cold enough for them yet, I already have my eye on these pieces from Accessorize. I'm loving all of their beanie pom hats, particularly the tan, and the Felicity fox capped gloves are adorable.

Unique Vintage Pumpkin Swing Skirt

I want this orange dot pumpkin swing skirt from Unique Vintage to wear this Halloween! It's so fun.

1 // 2

These two dresses from River Island Plus and ASOS Curve are gorgeous. That red dress is stunning!

1 // 2

These Cactus print PJs, and My Little Pony nightie from ASOS Curve are so cute.

1 // 2

I love the shape of these metallic scallop clutch bags from ASOS. I especially like the lilac one.

1 // 2

These are way out of my budget, but I'm a little bit smitten with these two quilted bags from Love Moschino.

1 // 2

And last but not least, I quite like these chunky lace up shoes from ASOS, especially the blue.

If you'd like to see more of the pieces that catch my eye each week, check out my style wish list boards on Pinterest.

What's on your wish list this week?

My Autumn Goals 2016

Autumn is finally here, and I couldn't be happier about it! I'm already looking forward to the pretty Autumn foliage, cosy dark evenings spent reading and crafting, blankets, hot drinks, candles, Autumn fashion, layers, knitwear, Autumn walks, rainy days, cosy pyjamas, bonfires, Halloween, comfort food, and countless other things that make Autumn wonderful. I love this time of year!

I don't know why, but I always become super motivated and aspirational when Autumn begins. I always want to do this, that, and the other. I've already come up with a long list of things I want to do before the year is through, so I thought I'd share the list with you today. 

1.  Get a hair cut- I've not had one in almost three years! My poor hair is a mess and in desperate need of some TLC. I want to get about a foot chopped off!

2. Get an eye test and new glasses- I'm three years over due a test, and haven't had new glasses in five. Since my vision is now blurry through my glasses, I can't hold off much longer. 

3. Make it to the bonfire.

4. Watch my town's fireworks display.

5. Play with sparklers. (Err, kids, please don't actually play with sparklers! It won't end well.)

6. Visit the Pitt Rivers museum in Oxford.

7. Make it to see Ronan Keating live later this month. (Don't laugh, he's lush!)

8. Buy new ballet pumps, and let go of my favourite pair which are falling apart. Sob.

9. Explore a cemetery.

10. Carve a pumpkin.

11. Make dog treats for Rosie using the scooped out pumpkin flesh. (I found some recipes on Pinterest I want to try).

12. Make French onion soup. I've not made it in years, but it's delicious, and so good on cold, dark Autumn evenings.

13. Fill my wardrobe with gorgeous clothes and accessories in burgundy, raspberry, forest green, teal, mustard, and rust.

14. Complete the two Christmas cross stitch samplers I'm working on, and finish the last four Christmas cross stitch cards I have left to make. Try to sew every day.

15. Have a go at making lots of hand-embroidered hoop art. (I bought all the supplies last year).

16. Go for at least one Autumn walk, so I can crunch through paths of crunchy dead leaves, take in the beautiful scenery, and snap photos.

17. Work out what to buy for my Dad's 70th in November, and my Mum's 60th in December. I've no idea what to give them, so I might look in to experience days.

18. Have a Halloween-themed movie marathon.

19. Get a hot chocolate.

20. Read as much as possible.

21. Have a good clear out to de-clutter and make some extra cash.

22. Work hard on training Rosie up in to the perfect, well-behaved pup I know is in there somewhere. 

23. Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We're thinking of going in November or December for 'Hogwarts In The Snow', when the sets are all dressed for Christmas.

24. Get my Christmas shopping finished. Yes, I've already started! I've been picking up gifts throughout the year to spread the cost. Look at me being all organised!

25. Take lots of blog photos before the 'good Summer light' is gone for another year.

26. Look in to buying a soft-box / blog lights. When the daylight is actually bright enough for taking photos, I never seem to be having a good pain day, so I rarely manage to snap the photos I need for blogging, and I end up not blogging at all. I think it's time I got myself some lights, but I have no idea where to start. I haven't got much room so I need something small or easy to pack away, and I only have a small budget. Any recommendations?

27. Reply to all unanswered blog comments and emails, and be a better blogger. I'm hoping to sit down and catch up later this week because it's long over due, and I'm ashamed of myself for letting things slide. I'm sorry!

28. Give my blog a face lift. My blog is a mess, and is in desperate need of some TLC, so it's time I gave it a bit of love.

29. Blog lots. I have all these ideas, so it's time I got back in to the swing of things.

30. Work on improving my photography, and photo editing skills.

31. Treat myself to some gorgeous new nail polishes in Autumnal colours. So many of my old ones have dried up, so it's time for an over-haul.

32. Buy some cosy new gloves.

33. Visit The Ashmolean museum in Oxford.

34. Visit Blenheim Palace.

35. Watch Stranger Things and find out what all the fuss is about.

What's on your Autumn to-do list?

50 Things I Couldn't Live Without

We all have things in our lives that we couldn't imagine living without. Our friends and family, our pets, food, mobile phones, hair straighteners, alcohol, chocolate, Netflix... so many great things. In reality we could get by with just the basics- food, water, shelter, health care- but life's far more comfortable and satisfying with the things that aid and enrich our lives. 

After thinking about it for a while, I've come up with fifty things I couldn't imagine living without- a mixture of essentials, and those things that make my life so much greater. And here they are. Let's see how many we have in common.

1. My family. Even if they do drive me mad most of the time.

2. My friends, especially my best friend, Angela.

3. My puppy, Rosie.

4. Concerts. I'm always happiest watching my favourite bands and singers perform live. I live and breathe them (or, at least I did pre-chronic pain), and couldn't imagine my life without them to electrify my soul. I hate that I can't go to anywhere near as many as I want and used to. 

5. A camera. I may not be the best photographer, but I love taking photos every day to document my life.

6. My laptop. I'd be so lost without it, and bed rest would be far more boring. I use it for everything- blogging, keeping in touch with family and friends, shopping, banking, playing music, storing and editing my photos and home videos, ordering medication, educating myself... I pretty much organise my entire life through it.

7, Glasses or contact lenses. I can't see much without them, and would bump in to things a lot. At least it would give everyone a good laugh, though!

8. Books and / or my Kindle. I always have a book on the go. It's my escape from reality.

9. My medication. I wouldn't be able to cope with the level of pain I'm in without my painkillers to take the edge off. Plus, withdrawal symptoms are horrific.

10. Hazelnut milk chocolate. Cadbury's Whole Nut, Ferrero Rochers, Nutella... so much deliciousness.

11. Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance leave in conditioner. It's my number one beauty essential, keeps my hair in great condition, and makes it easier to brush through wet hair after a swim or shower. There's no way I could live without it in my life.

12. Fit and flare dresses with amazing prints; the basis of my style.

13. Having a creative outlet. Whether it's blogging, photography, creative writing, cross stitching, painting, journaling, creating displays... I have a need to create and like to channel my emotions and energy in to creative hobbies.

14. Comfy PJs. I need to be as comfortable as possible, so most days I live in them. I regret nothing.

15. A memory foam mattress. They're so comfortable! I don't know how I ever slept without one.

16. Time to myself every day to recharge after socialising. (Introvert alert!)

17. The Body Shop's Vitamin E Moisture Cream. Best moisturiser ever!

18. Colour. Colour makes me so damn happy. Life would be so boring in black and white.

19. A notebook... or seventy. I admit it: I'm a notebook addict. I love to write, and I use them to record, plan, and organise my life.

20. Music. I can't imagine life without it.

21. Adventures! I love to travel, take day trips, explore new places, and make memories along the way.

22. Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner- the nineties kind, not the newer versions. They give me the softest, shiniest hair, and the smell makes me so nostalgic.

23. Red nail polish, especially bright 'tomato' red. I feel so put-together when I wear it.

24. Movies and cinema trips. I'm a bit of a movie geek.

25. Special fried rice from my local Chinese take away. Nom.

26. Blogging. While I don't consider myself a great blogger, it's something I enjoy, it keeps me busy, and has given me a purpose and an outlet during the last four and a half years of my five years with chronic pain / illness. It's helped me cope with a lot.

27. Health care. Who knows what state I'd be in without it!

28. Cadbury chocolate. No explanation needed.

29. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. It's make up removing powers are magical.

30. Showers. Cold showers in the Summer, hot showers in the Winter. Bliss.

31. Schwarzkopf Real Red hair dye. If anyone asks, yes, I'm a natural red!

32. Christmas time. I love everything about it. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

33. Cross stitching. It might sound lame, but it's so therapeutic.

34. Waterproof black mascara. I need to make my eyelashes look pretty.

35. Animals and nature. The natural world is an amazing place, and being around animals and close to nature makes me happy.

36. Concert adventures with friends. Spending a day being a total fan girl with good friends is the most fun ever. It makes me sad that I can't do this often anymore.

37. My hair straighteners. I'm a slave to them, just like everyone else.

38. Heat patches. They help to ease my back muscles after a physically demanding day, making my back less tense the following day, and the back pain easier to cope with.

39. Freshly-washed bedding, straight from the dryer. Is there anything better?

40. The Body Shop's satsuma collection, especially the shower gel and body puree. Amazing products, and best fragrance ever. Fact!

41. Leggings. I live in them! I always wear them under dresses for confidence, as I have a complex about baring my legs. Plus they're comfy, too.

42. Those rainy days spent reading under cosy blankets with the sound of the rain drumming on the windows.

43. Creative writing. It's a hobby I've enjoyed since I was in primary school, and something I can't imagine not doing.

44. My iPod. I feel like I've lost a limb when I'm without it on the go.

45. An eye lash curler. I don't know why, but I feel so much prettier when my lashes are curled.

46. Trips to the seaside, especially to Perranporth Beach in Cornwall. Aside from concerts, I'm happiest with my feet in the surf, swimming, and body-boarding in the sea. 

47. Escada Taj Sunset perfume. It's my favourite fragrance ever.

48. Coca Cola. I'm sorry to say I'm a little bit addicted.

49. Naps. Naps are awesome!

50. A bag big enough for me to carry around everything but the kitchen sink.

What couldn't you live without?

Photo Diary | August 2016

August was another quiet, uneventful month for me; I barely left the house all month because the pain has been horrendous this Summer. Apart from popping in to Cheltenham last week, I only left the house for medical appointments, so it was a pretty boring month (aside from gaining another diagnosis, but I'll go in to that some other time). 

I spent most of my time reading, getting stuck in to another cross stitch project, watching movies, writing, and hanging out with my crazy puppy, and just enjoyed the little things instead of dwelling on missing out on all the fun Summer stuff I would've loved to have done. So, I don't have the most exciting photos to share from August, but they capture my August in a nut shell just the same.

1. Pascal Tsum Tsum. // 2. Wini Eggs for the win! // 3. My Cogsworth and Beast Tsum Tsums. 4. New movies I watched in August. // 5. My Elliot Pete's Dragon Tsum Tsum is the cutest thing ever! // 6. Presents I wrapped for my sister's birthday.

1. Making progress on my Christmas cross stitch. // 2. Reading chick lit that read like a pre teen fanfic. // 3. More than a quarter through my cross stitch. // 4. Birthday presents for my sis- all the Tsum Tsums! // 5. Wrapped up presents in colourful tissue paper. // 6. Writing in the garden.

1. Rosie curled up on my bed. // 2. Mid-run during a game of fetch. // 3. Happy pup smiling after I let her hang out upstairs for the first time. // 4. Pretty girl after her new hair cut. // 5. Shaggy dog. // 6. Running around the garden with her favourite toy.

1. Pretty sunset last week. // 2. Beautiful crescent moon a couple of weeks ago. // 3. Thunderstorm. // 4. Gorgeous drive to the hospital during the heatwave. // 5. Rooftops of Cheltenham. // 6. Driving through the countryside.

1. A butterfly having a drink from the buddleia bush in the garden. // 2. Smiling Rosie. // 3. Pretty flowers. 4. Blackberries in the garden. // 5. Orange nails. // 6. Apples Rosie hasn't stolen from our tree yet.

You might also like

Photo Diary July 2016

Photo Diary June 2016

Photo Diary May 2016

What did you get up to in August?