Creating an Instagram Feed you Love

With just under 5000 followers on my Instagram I don't have the biggest following and thats okay because I am sure it will come with time as my main focus has certainly shifted away from numbers and statistics and more towards creating a space and a feed that truly reflects my life as well as something I am happy with, that makes me smile and is a visually interesting daily diary that I can look back on in years to come. I think when it comes to IG there are certainly two camps which have formed, those who try and play the algorithm game regardless (at times) of creating beautiful original content and those who are more interested in organic engagement, neither is "right" and it's okay to be in the middle, at the end of the day it is a marketing tool to some so taking a little time to create balance between both especially if it is connected to your work or livelihood is important but don't forget its not just a place for numbers but also for inspiration. ......

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Dreaming of Utah

I have only been to America once when I was 9 and it was the colourful and sugar coated Disney dream of a trip, a trip that will always hold magical memories, but now I want to go back for an experience that is somewhat different. Both John and I would love an extended stay in the US, an adventure through this huge country as well as taking in Canada as well, perhaps driving across the Canadian highway from Montreal to Vancouver then down into the States and driving back from San Fran to New York. We want to be inspired by the vast never ending landscape, the cultures, accents, all the different style of properties from high-rises in New York City to the ranches in Texas and everything in between by hopefully taking in all the States. I have slowly been researching different areas and even if we never get to do the mammoth road-trip we envisage there are a few places we would still like to visit if even on for a weeks holiday. One of them being Park City in Utah and especia......

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No More Cookie Cutter Weddings

While I was at Uni studying photography I assisted at a few weddings then after graduating started my own business (although realised it's not really for me) have attended a fair few weddings, add in the weddings of family and friends as well and you would think that I would be a bit jaded by now, but when someone does something a little different it's still so much fun to attend them. Over the years, the way people organise their weddings has changed drastically and I must admit I am a big fan of this change. These days’ people seem to feel free to hold a wedding that suits them and their family and friends. Most of todays modern weddings are a reflection of the personality, tastes and values of the bride and groom. In the past, especially in the 80s and 90s, people seemed to be compelled to do things in a certain way. Most people got married in church, the majority of grooms wore morning suits and the bride pretty much always looked like your archetypal fa......

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Beautiful Bibico & Giveaway

If you are a regular reader of the blog you probably already know we love ethical brands, so when I stumbled across Bibico on twitter a few months ago I immediately wanted to know more about this locally designed, ethically produce, fair-trade and organic independent store based in Bath. It can be surprisingly hard to find clothes that are not only stylish but also produced in a low impact way and that benefits the people who actually produce the clothes such a the cooperative in Nepal who hand knits all of Bibico's knitwear. Most of the knitting is done at home which means they don't have to travel, reducing costs and allowing them to stay close to their families. Summer inspired outfit from Bibico - love the Breton dress for £49 What I love most is the beautiful simplicity that their collection captures with classic designs such as Breton dresses, Aran jumpers and canvas espadrilles, it reminds me of blissful days spent at the seaside or in wellies in......

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Lunch at Babylon, Kensington

Earlier this week we jumped on the train from Cardiff for a much needed day out in London, it feels like it's been forever since both John and I have had the chance to be back in the Capital together, in fact when you have a family it can be a bit of a struggle having any quality time together. We think it's very important to make time for yourself as an individual as well as a couple so when Virgin Experience Days  asked me to choose an experience I thought would be perfect for treating the man in my life in the run up to Fathers day I couldn't wait to surprise John. I am fully aware of how much John does, he works long hours and happily gives any of his free time to spend with our sons and very rarely complains, he is in all honesty a very dedicated father so it was wonderful to raise a toast to him over a three course lunch in the beautiful surroundings that is Babylon , a Roof Terrace on the 7th floor overlooking Kensington. The entrance to Bab......

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Three things - Interior loves

So they say it's the little things in life that count and it's the small touches that really make a home so I thought I would share three things that have caught my eye this week and I would love to have in the home, all simple but beautiful. First of all I am trying to find more time to read and love this Literary Art from In Spaces , it would be perfect for my reading nook. If you read the blog you probably already know I love Scandi and Nordic interiors, the simplicity combined with well made furniture and beautiful objects if done well can create a lovely, creative space and I would love to put this Nordic slip glazed stoneware jug from Rigby & Mac, where is you will also find this hand screen-printed chevron cushion. I have a thing for yellow this season, it's one of my new favourite colours for the home....

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Afternoon Tea with a G&T twist

Like most people we love to indulge in our sweet tooth every now and then and who doesn't love a classic afternoon tea with homemade scones, dainty cakes and delightful creations? As we move into summer our thoughts also wander to those of another British classic that is sipping a G&T over a lazy lunch in the sun, so when Park Plaza invited us to try out their special Hendricks G&T afternoon tea it seemed like the perfect combination and we couldn't wait to see what it was all about. When we sat down our table had been laid out with Hendricks teacups and teapot filled with a cocktail of Hendricks Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, lemon juice and soda and I have to say it was one of the most delicious cocktails we have had in a longtime, so refreshing! Next came the three-tier afternoon tea, starting off with finger sandwiches and freshly baked warm sultana scones. Then an assortment of cakes and pastries which were so beautiful I almost......

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Puffin Rock Signed Print Giveaway

As some of you may already know the wonderful and educational animation Puffin Rock has arrived in the UK, showing on Nick Jr at 6:50pm every evening and is aimed at 2-5yr olds with its soft and gentle storylines that follow Oona and her adventures exploring the small Irish island she lives on. It's great for the bedtime hour and Mr A loves it as it provides such feel good wholesome viewing. The lovely people over at Penguin books who helped co-produce Puffin Rock have been kind enough to offer one of our readers the chance to win this limited edition Puffin Rock print signed by the illustrator and comes with a certificate of authentication it's super easy to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway ...

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Beautiful floors

simply beautiful floor tiles ( image ) Sometimes we overlook how important the floors in our homes are, they cover such a large space and yet they are often left to neglect or covered with bland carpeting. They can as much as a focal point as anything else and should help bring the room together. There are a few key things to consider when it comes to flooring Original Tiles Starting with my first pet hate - you see beautiful Victorian properties such as the one above where people have actually ripped out the original tiles (which in my eyes should not be allowed), it's really not hard to have them restored and they are usually far higher quality than anything you can buy today and add to the character of the property. Also if the print is fairly bold style your hallway simply, keeping closing colours to a minimum such as painting the walls white as above and complementing the tiles with some fresh house plants of a similar shade Beautiful slate flooring ( image ......

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