Ten lovely things.

The quiet edit.
1. A beautiful bedroom.
2. Mikanu, a lovely on-line discovery shared by Milk.
3. The colours and those collars.
4. My Etsy find of the week. Artist Rachel Card.
5. I have this thing with really really pretty ribbons.
6. I have this thing with really really lovely cups.
7. My artist crush of the week. Mackenzie Palma.
8. Just talking to my plants and waiting for the sunshine.
9. *rushes out to buy all the café au lait dahlia's she can find*
& oh hello rhubarb, it's so lovely to have you back.

Have a happy day.

Ten lovely things.

The 'signs of spring' edit.

1. Birds busy building nests.

2. Giving the house a spring clean.

3. Pulling out your spring wardrobe.

4. Buying all the spring flowers.

5. Wondering about/planning trips to take.

6. Have I mentioned all the spring flowers?

7. Weekends spent wandering on woodland walks.

8. Dreaming of blossom and birkenstocks.

9. Planting seeds for summer blooms.

& enjoying the first of the year's rhubarb. All be it on a comforting bowl of porridge, because it is still so fricking cold!

Have a happy day.

Ten lovely things.

1. Weekend goals right here.

2. So many lovely ceramics from Susan Simonini. But these bunnies stole my heart 🖤

3. So many lovely dresses from Popelin. But it's this dress I want in my size!

4. Who's in need of a floral pick me up?

5. And a little more floral loveliness.

6. Etsy find of the week. Concrete Alphabet. One of these in every size please?

7. The loveliest lithographs by Pamela Grace.

8. So believe you're something special.

9. The wonderful whimsical work of Julie Arkell 🖤

& wondering if it's too early to 'practice' baking these for Easter?

Have a happy day.

Ten lovely things.

The snow-day edit

1. '. . . there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.'

    John Ruskin. Beautiful image by Circle of Pines.

2. Running wild and dreaming free. 

    Our Free Tribe, reconnecting children with nature through visual storytelling.

3. A snowy city, beautifully illustrated by the O'Hara sisters.

4. A snowy city, captured by Melanee Kate Thomas for Junior Style.

5. Read about the folklore of snowdrops on Creative Countryside.

6. Knitting and crochet inspiration from tipsy tessie. *pops onto my to-knit list*

7. A compendium of inspiration from Sibella Court. *pops onto my to-read list*

8. Support your sisters. Loving Holly&Co's fabulous new theme for March.

9. The sweetest snow scene from Jam and Ginger.

& lets just stay inside and perfect our pastry skills by baking these comforting Danish Pastries.

Stay cosy and have a happy day.

A seasonal shift.

'Winter teetered on the verge of succumbing to the returning sun,

but today the breeze still preferred the touch of snowflakes'

 from left to right and top to bottom

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

Never has an Instagram hashtag been more appropriate than #aseasonalshift is at the moment. Behind the clouds the sky is a bright blue, the clouds dotted here and there with pockets of silver grey, from which the snow is falling, slowly, gently, and appropriately, onto the snowdrops and crocus that have just begun to show. I'm still sitting huddled in layers of knits, hands wrapped around comforting mugs of hot chocolate, yet keeping me company as I work are daffodils, just beginning to open, and I'm wondering how I'll enjoy the first of this year's rhubarb. If the snow continues, the rhubarb might be baked slowly under an indulgent coating of crumble, eaten with an equally indulgent topping of custard, whilst reading the seed catalogues which have just popped through the door.

'I hear the sounds of melting snow outside my window every night

and with the first faint scent of spring, I remember, life exists'

Whilst it may be easy to wish winter away, I'm enjoying this mingling of seasons; in some ways it feels we have the best of both. The lingering cold and light snow make for the perfect winter walk, yet also give the perfect excuse for cosying up at home still. And those first signs of spring encourage the making of plans; for the garden, for the home, for all the months ahead.

'Because it's still winter' shopping

// Flint Gotland Wool Blanket, from the future kept

// Daydreamer Soy Candle, from the future kept

// Jasmine Scarf, from Purl Soho

// Fingerless Gloves, from Laurimuks

'Because it's nearly spring' shopping

// Copper plated gardening tools, from Cox & Cox

// Gardenista, by Michelle Slatalla

// Green cardoc twine, from Petersham Nurseries

// Amber blown vase, from The Forest & Co.

Have a happy day.

Ten lovely things.

The botanical edit.

1. Printed florals by Paade Mode. Styled by Julia Rozenfeld and seen on Juniorstyle.

2. Inspired by dahlia's at Lamb Loves Fox.

3. Modern blooms by new brand A Monday in Copenhagen.

4. When Liberty and Anthropolgie collide, this botanical loveliness happens.

5. Etsy find #1. Make and Matter. I may have a little crush on this concrete planter.

6. Etsy find #2. Boots Paper. Stationery that's almost too pretty to write on.

7. Painted plants by Jonas Wood.

8. How lovely the silence of growing things.

9. Faux flowers & foliage which looks anything but at Graham and Green.

&. I'll be turning last summer's berries into the sweetest jam to fill this pretty pastry.

. have a happy day .

Ten lovely things.

1. Kids Down Under #1. Dazed but Amazed. Collaborating with artists to produce beautiful bedding.

2. Kids Down Under #2. Yoli & Otis. And a look at their new collection Secret Garden.

3. Kids Down Under #3. Tutu du Monde. And a look at their new collection A Parisian World.

4. If you're looking for books to pop on your To Read list, head over to Thistle Harvest.

5. Etsy find of the week. Wakako Senda. Such lovely ceramics to drink your coffee from.

6. Thank you to Mabel and Mole for leading me to these darkly beautiful Thank you cards.

7. Artist crush of the week. Gurilla. Such wonderfully abstract portraits.

8. A gentle rebellion. Wise words by s.r.w.

9. Creative crush of the week. Gooseberry Moon. Such delicate botanical illustrations.

&. Cranachan Cookies, from Scottish blogger Rosie, in honour of last nights Burn's Night.

     Though I have a feeling they'd taste just as good on any other day, or night too.

. have a happy day .

Ten lovely things.

The inspired edit.

1. Lots of creative business inspiration thoughtfully collated by 91Magazine.

2. Inspired by the glimpses of new collections from Rock'nLullaby showing at Pitti Bimbo86.

3. 'Sunday's are for dreamers' via Mini Mavens.

     This has me dreaming of a Sunday spent knitting a cosy cardigan *sigh*

4. Etsy inspiration of the week. Didress. Just love this beautiful oversized dress.

5. The Petite Knitter has the most beautiful IG feed, full of yarn & knitting inspiration,

6. whilst Eleven Handmade will inspire you to get super creative with your crochet hook.

7. 'Herbarium' by Cristina Amodeo.

    *sigh*

8. Have the courage to step forward.

9. Inspired by the colours in this piece by Melanie Severin, called 'Weathered'.

& a Banana, Chocolate Chip & Walnut Loaf to inspire my weekend baking.

. have a happy day .

Ten lovely things.

1. I have this thing with plants. Even printed ones like these.

2. 'And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane

     by those who could not hear the music.' Friedrich Nietzsche via Little Creative Factory.

3. Still the weather for cosy coats and pretty pinafores from Oaks of Acorn.

4. Still the weather for chunky knits and hats and scarves from Handsome Badger.

5. Etsy find of the week. 2of2. Little houses, little forests, and other handcrafted goods.

6. To Do. Fill a jar with things To Do this year, via {vinegar&brownpaper}.

7. A perfect Winter bouquet, via Holy Gallery.

8. A few words of encouragement from Letterbox Lane.

9. Picasso's 'Girl in a Chemise'.

& a 'not as naughty as they look' sweet treat from The Kitchen McCabe.

. have a happy day .

{ happy friday }

The cosy edit.

1. Snow has fallen. All around us.

2. It's the weather for bundling up in beautiful boots.

3. And staying cosy in the cutest coats.

4. For comfort baking with coffee, chocolate and caramel.

5. Etsy find of the week. host&toast. Simple and beautiful things.

6. Knits + lace + botanical cuppas = keeping cosy in the most stylish of ways.

7. Cosy knits. Part 1.

8. New Year resolutions. To have a kind heart, fierce mind and a brave spirit.

9. Cosy knits. Part 2.

& a cosy coffee cocktail to say goodbye to the old year, and hello to the new.

{ have a cosy day }

{ happy friday }

1. Just three days left. Are you ready?

2. Folksy find of the week. Handmade Over Yonder. I wonder if Angel Mouse is destined for someone's stocking?

3. The sweetest skater scene which, almost, makes me yearn to go skating.

4. I have to agree that this is the most beautiful dress of the season *sigh*

5. Christmas gift wrapping goals right here.
6. Christmas reading goals right here.
7. Christmas knitting goals right here.
8. Winter is the time for comfort. The wisest of words from Edith Sitwell.
9. Spicy ginger treacle cookies are always a good idea. ( see above No.8. )
& so is Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

1. The epitome of a simply beautiful Christmas from Tea with Ruby.

2. The epitome of loveliness by Gemma Booth for Milk Magazine.

3. The epitome of style with that hat & that coat by Nikolia.

4. Christmas cookie goals right here.

5. Tips for a minimal Christmas by Jessica Rose Williams over on 91magazine.

    Including a link to these beautiful botanical cards.

6. Though I'm also a little in love with this snowglobe card by My Lovely Thing.

7. Christmas gift wrapping goals right here.

8. Stardust, wishes and magical things.

9. One cup of sparkling goodness for me please?

& Gingerbread Hot Chocolate sounds the perfect drink to dunk homemade gingerbread in.

    Doesn't it?

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

1. Finding so many lovely new Insta feeds through Me and Orla's Gloom and Grow.

2. This weeks new knitting crush. Pampirion. And how incredibly lovely is that leaf stitch?

3. Dressed to impress. And how incredibly cute is that collar?

4. Christmas crochet goals right here.

5. Folksy find of the week. Flower and Fable. Heather; solitude, protection and beauty.

6. This garland would look so pretty paired with the festive foliage I've buying.

7. We are all made of stardust *sigh* *pops this on the Christmas List*

8. There is nothing in nature that blooms all year long. 

9. Dottie Angel has a shop. Who knew? P.s. I heard a shop update is happening today!

& let the Christmas cookie making commence, beginning with these.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy weekend }

1. Just beautiful. Colours. Image. Blooms. Everything.

2. Etsy find of the week. La Petite Personne. Duffles didn't look this darling when I was young.

3. Adorable knitted toys. Shared by Smallable. Made by Main Sauvage.

4. The most gorgeous editorial from Milk Magazine full of Northern Soul.

5. The most stunning photomontage created by artist Suzanne Moxhay.

6. Folksy find of the week. Botanical Tales. Read more about her story here.

7. Wishing a happy first birthday to Moments of Sense & Style. Creating light from darkness.

8. Embrace the chaos. Black Friday / Christmas Markets / Life in general. Delete as necessary.

9. Or maybe escape to a little cabin in the woods, like this one doodled by Ryn Frank.

& What's better than a cinnamon bun? A giant cinnamon bun with cold brew cream. That's what.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

1. A little in love with Jasmina's home, spotted on Paul&Paula.

2. Shop a rainbow of gifts at Cissy Wears ♥︎

3. A little in love with Tuchinda's blouse, spotted on Pepper.pics.

4. This Peaky Blinders inspired shoot might just persuade me to start watching.

5. Crisp and cold Autumn days call for comforting cakes.

6. Folksy find of the week. Emma Verner Designs. How super cute is this shelf?

7. Just slipping this one in here, because it's never too early to think Merry and Bright, right?

8. They really really do #campaignshopsmall.

9. These mugs might be just the reason I need to visit my new local coffee shop ♥︎

& Can't decide what I love more. That chocolatey, caramel knot, or that copper cooling rack?

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } Childhood with These Little Treasures.

{ 2 } Every girl needs a peacock in her life, right?

{ 3 } So perhaps I don't need a swan but I'd really really like one!

{ 4 } Beautiful birds in flight by Elvira Von Vredenburgh.

{ 5 } Crushing on these White Edition candle holders from local lovely Copper & Solder.

{ 6 } Hoping Rock My Style's prediction for the next Pantone Colour of the Year comes true.

{ 7 } S is for. Serendipity. Solitude. Sympathy. So many of my favourite words.

{ 8 } Weird is the new normal.

{ 9 } Etsy find of the week. Literary Emporium. Quoth the Raven "Nevermore".

{ + } Darkly delicious Black Charcoal Doughnuts, the perfect bake for Halloween.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } A few black cats inked by Laura Hughes to ward off any Friday 13th bad luck.

{ 2 } When the city of Westminster is your playground #citykids.

{ 3 } A Technicolour treat from MilkMagazine #colourfulkids.

{ 4 } Wondering if I could get away with those cute Kitty tights?

{ 5 } Wishing I could go #nestandflourish with Object Style this autumn 🍂

{ 6 } Counting down the days to this Autumn Insta Gathering.

{ 7 } Etsy find of the week. Max and Mila. This Bham girl loves this BHM flag.

{ 8 } Chase your dreams #wordsfromthewise.

{ 9 } Can you fall in love with a painting #hillsandhouses.

{ + } Chocolate Week calls for chocolate biscuits & buttercream, smothered in a lot more chocolate.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy weekend }

{ 1 } So in love with this sweater and cowl combo knitted by Happy Love Co.
{ 2 } Boys in beanies looking just so blinkin' cute!
{ 3 } This week's 'Does it come in my size?'. Polder's covetable mohair coat.
{ 4 } And also crushing on this camelia pink embroidered dress from Hello Simone.
{ 5 } First there was sweater weather. Now I'm ready to get my beanie on!
{ 6 } October aka Inktober. Pop over & follow Flora Waycott to see all her inky adventures.
{ 7 } My Etsy find of the week. Sincerely Louise. And her most wonderful knitted taxidermy.
{ 8 } Live cosy.
{ 9 } Tomorrow I learn how to crochet granny squares. Properly!
{ + } Tuesday is World Porridge Day, and I'll be pimping mine with cherries and chocolate.

{ have a happy day }

{ my september }

{ a is for apple }

I think I must have blinked and missed September. Once again the month has flown by so quickly, but looking back it has been a lovely month. I was happy to embrace autumn as soon as the 1st of the month arrived. The summer berries have been replaced with English grown apples, happily scrumped from next doors apple tree of which a few branches over hang my garden. I would love to say I've been incredibly creative with them, but in truth have enjoyed them simply stewed with a little brown sugar and lots of warming cinnamon. A few transformed this sticky toffee cake into a rather delicious sticky toffee apple cake, and I have my eye on this maple apple butter, that sounds like a slightly more indulgent, spicier version of my stewed apple.

{ drinking }

At the beginning of the month I reached my 1000th Happy Day. It seems such a long time since I first signed up for the #100happydays challenge, and I still remember my very first 100th day, sitting outside the Sydney Opera House, enjoying a Sydney Sling. The challenge is one I've enjoyed doing, and whilst I have a feeling that pure stubbornness played a part in reaching the 1000th day, it has changed my perspective on what happiness is to me. Sometimes it is the big things, like spending your first day in Sydney, though more often than not it's something much smaller, having half an hour to read a book, or that first cup of coffee in a morning.

Having said that, neither of those things were what I had in mind for that 1000th day, so I popped along to The Edgbaston, somewhere that's been on my to visit list for quite a while. The Edgbaston is a beautiful boutique hotel on the outskirts of Birmingham, with one of the most creative cocktail lists I've had the pleasure of tasting. Inspired by Birmingham itself, there are cocktails inspired by Cadbury's, The Electric Cinema, The Botanical Gardens, and more. Served in it's Art Deco inspired cocktail lounge it's a real treat and sensory delight, as cocktails arrive with more than a little theatre, looking, smelling and tasting so good.

For those living in travelling distance of Birmingham, this is definitely one to pop on your to visit list.

{ welcoming autumn }

Ah, hello my favourite season. I love all the seasons for their differences, but I think my heart belongs to autumn. Even rainy days hold a certain charm in autumn, being the perfect excuse to hibernate indoors with a good book and lots of coffee. And of course, knitting and autumn go hand in hand. Chillier mornings and darker evenings make you think of getting cosy in hats and scarfs, snuggling under blankets on the sofa. And of course, this serves as a timely reminder that I still have yet to list any of my knitting on Etsy. So, a promise to you, but mostly to me, watch this space, and the first few bits will be on line super super soon!

{ visting }

A wander around Birmingham led me into the newly opened Honest Skincare. Tucked away in the beautiful Great Western Arcade it's a little smaller than it's King's Heath store, though no less lovely for it. As lovely as all their skincare is, on this occasion it was their shelf of plants that caught my eye and made it onto my Insta feed, though I promise their handmade skincare is more than worth making the trip for.

Somewhere that I rediscovered this month, was our Botanical Gardens. Just around the corner from The Edgbaston, it played host to the Edgbaston Tricentenary and I couldn't resist the chance to have a look around for free. If you missed my recent post, you can read much more about my visit here.

I also got the chance to revisit one of my favourite European cities, Antwerp. Somewhere I have been lucky enough to visit many times with work, I was thrilled to have the chance to spend a couple of days there, wandering around it's pretty cobbled streets, re-discovering just how good their kids wear shops are, not to mention buying a little of that delicious Belgian chocolate to bring home. An early morning stroll around the railway station reminded me what a stunning piece of architecture it is, and the discovery of a new { budget yet boutique } hotel, which had an abundance of Insta worthy plants and art, makes a return visit a must.

And so September is so very nearly over. There is a visit to the Autumn Market at the Bond to look forward to on Saturday, before starting October learning how to crochet with Clare gets Crafty, which I'm more than a little excited about. 

Oh, and there's a small matter of getting that Etsy shop up and running isn't there #octobergoals.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } My Etsy find of the week. Tracy Walker Ink. Say hello to Mr.Squirrel.

{ 2 } There is always The moment you feel like a(n Autumn) princess.

{ 3 } Once upon a time. There was a beautiful new collection from Marie Chantal.

{ 4 } This weeks 'Does it come in my size?' is Pepper's Bunny Hat.

{ 5 } Welcoming Autumn. With a beautiful new featurekins from Babiekins.

{ 6 } This weeks artist crush is Vanessa Bell.

{ 7 } Currently crushing on Miss Tilly's Autumn wardrobe.

{ 8 } Autumn goals. Books, coffee and making the most of rainy days.

{ 9 } The loveliest pumpkin I've seen so far this Autumn.

{ + } The yummiest pumpkin I've seen so far this Autumn. Oh, and happy Cupcake Week!

{ have a happy day }