Harley & Lola AW2015 WISHLIST

Lately I've been looking at ideas to give our home a bit of a makeover. I've always taken my inspiration from the 50s, 60s and 70s and was delighted to discover Harley & Lola. Co-founded by husband and wife team Stephen Abraham and Charlotte Carlsen Abraham, Harley & Lola have a commitment to the environment sourcing ethically produced products and using recycled packaging wherever possible. Selling exclusively online, they offer a Green Scheme where customers can collect Carbon Clix for every £1 they spend. Customers can even take advantage of a Carbon neutral delivery service.

Here is a selection of their AW2015 collection. Stephen and Charlotte have sourced a fantastic mix of retro and industrial style pieces. I've picked my top 5 wishlist items below . . .

Malmo Rug

Monochrome has been huge in the fashion industry lately and it's become a bit of a craze in the home too! I've always loved a monochrome floor. It's a great choice for tiles or lino for the kitchen and bathroom. This handmade rug is perfect for making a statement in your living room though, and without breaking the bank. The pattern is quite interesting, seemingly changing (from peace signs to flowers) depending on what angle you're looking at it from. Harley & Lola are selling these in 2 different sizes. 

Scandi Occasional Chair

I've always dreamed of owning an original Eames chair but they don't come cheap. Luckily there are some wonderful replicas out there and Harley & Lola have a great selection. I especially love this version in bright yellow. Perfect for adding a pop of colour and cheering up any dining area or work space. If yellow isn't to your liking it's also available in black, red and grey. The mixed mediums of plastic, wood and wire are part of it's integral ingenious design.

Malmo Retro Four Drawer Side Table

This simple retro side table is made from Mindi wood and has a unique Scandinavian style. I love how cool the burnt timber drawers look, giving off a gradient luster. Each draw has a different style knob adding to it's quirky style. It's basic shape is perfect for adding a bit of retro style to your home whilst adding additional storage.

Hoxton Coat Rack

I've got a bit of an obsession with coats. Storing them is always a big issue in our household. This industrial style coat rack would look perfect in our porch. Made from good quality Mango wood (a highly sustainable replacement for teak) and black metal, with 4 decent size hooks. The bottom shelf would be ideal for housing baskets to store hats, shoes and scarves.

Hoxton Recycled Desk Lamp

Now, this Hoxton desk lamp really caught my eye and is, for me, the jewel in the crown. I've been looking for an antique-style angle poise lamp for my work space for a while and I love how unusual this one is. Cleverly made of old recycled bike parts, these junked components have been given a new lease of life. I love how it's not obvious at first but, after closer inspection, you begin to notice head lamps, cassettes and chainrings. This is a really unique and unusual piece. I've seen other, similar, lamps on Pinterest and Etsy but I have to say that this is genuinely the most stylish and affordable I've seen. Competitors are pricing them at £350 and this one is just £155.99!

See more of Harley & Lola's AW2015 collection here. I would love to hear what would be in your wishlist in the comments below.

Big love!

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BEAUTY: Lookfantastic haul

As the Starks of Winterfell are want of saying, winter is coming! Which can only mean one thing... No, not time to prepare for war with the Lannisters, but time to take extra skin care precautions! This year I have treated myself to a couple of things from Lookfantastic.com. If you haven't discovered this online beauty shop, CHECK IT OUT NOW! 

Lookfantastic have a great spectrum of affordable beauty products. The range is just immense. There are great  customer reviews of most of the products, which helped me decide if I was buying the right product for my particular skin. It's not the first time I have treated myself from their website and definitely won't be the last. Delivery was super speedy too. Brilliant!

Check out what I bought below . . .

 Magnitone Lucid in Sunshine Yellow

My skin has been causing me despair with regular breakouts of acne and dry and oily skin (urgh... why can't it be one or the other!). With this in mind, I decided to get a Magnitone Lucid. Basically, its a deep cleansing and exfoliation brush you use daily to give you a softer, smoother complexion (yes please!). The brush normally retails at £69.99 but I got it for only £35 on Lookfantastic.com . . . Bargino!

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild

My skin care regime has always been a bit hap hazard. Being in my (*ahem*; early) 30s I wanted a face wash that wasn't going to dry my skin out. This one from Clinique is fantastic. It's extremely light on the skin but still really efficient at removing make-up. It's not a particularly foamy wash and I think because of this it doesn't dry out your skin. However, because it doesn't lather very well, I wouldn't recommend it for using with the Magnitone Lucid. I've never really considered buying Clinique before as I always thought it would be out of my price range but was very pleasantly surprised that it only cost £11.

Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser

I've been looking for a new moisturizer for a while and I think I've FINALLY found it! Sukin is a well known Australian brand with a mantra that reads 'Skincare that doesn't cost the Earth'. It's very affordable at £8.10 for 125ml bottle. It feels very light, yet extremely absorbing. A little bit goes a long way with this so just a small amount is enough for your face and neck. This paraben free, natural mix of shea butter and aloe vera with rosehip, sesame and jojoba oils is ideal for sensitive skin.

Lookfantastic Beauty Box

Every month Lookfantastic release a new beauty box containing at least 6 surprise items (worth £55). Luckily I got mine for free as Lookfantastic were offering a free box on all purchases over £50. You can buy these separately (£15) or sign up to a monthly subscription (£11.25).  Needless to say, I was just a little bit excited to see what I would get! 

In my mystery box I received . . .

• Travel size Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash
• 60ml tube of Tanworx Tan Maintainer
• 50ml bottle of Professional Sebastian Shampoo
• 50ml bottle of Professional Sebastian Conditioner
• 30ml bottle Phytokeratine - an intense leave-in repair mask for your hair
• Sample of Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
• Sample of Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum
• 25ml tube of Codage Scrubbing Cream

I received 8 items in this box and I haven't had the chance to try all of them yet. So far I have loved the Bliss face wash and Sebastian shampoo and conditioner. I think these boxes are such a great idea as it allows you to try things that you wouldn't normally buy. The packaging gives a real sense of quality too and your hit with an amazing aroma from the goodies within when you open the box!

This past week my  routine has consisted of using the Clinique liquid facial soap to remove any dirt and makeup, and then I've been using the Bliss foaming face wash with the Magnitone Lucid, finishing off with the Sukin moisturizer. My skin seems to be coping well with this new regime, and is looking brighter and firmer in result. Keep an eye out for my next beauty post, The 7 day Magnitone Challenge, where I will be showing the results of my new gadget!

I would love to hear if you have any tips on how you cope with the colder months. Have you tried any of these products yet? Let me know in the comments below.

Big love!

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REVIEW: Thrill Murray

There is a cool colouring craze for adults at the moment. I seem to be the last to know.  Why am I the last to know!? 

It all kicked off in 2013 and has been gaining momentum since. A number of clubs, gatherings and even colouring parties at bars are popping up the world over. 

The trend has proven to be extremely therapeutic for people with busy lives and gives folks a chance to take time out and get lost in the colours and marks that they lay down before them.

It was my friend's birthday recently and she requested one as a pressie. Looking online I was amazed by how many there were out there. And not just the kiddie colouring books we all know and love!

After much pondering and debate I went for Thrill Murray, because why wouldn't you? Its Bill Murray. Completely dedicated to the truly wonderful and amazing actor, it contains 25 awesome illustrations from artists around the world including Nicholas Stevenson and Anneka Lange.

I wish I got one for myself now.

Jealous face.

Have you been caught up in the colouring bug yet? Let us know in the comments below.

Big love

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RECIPE: Chutney making with Merrydown Cider

I do like the story of Merrydown Cider. In 1946, 3 friends from Rutherfield in East Sussex borrowed a 300 year old apple press from a local farmer and turned a hobbie into a full time brewery. From humble beginnings in a garage, the company went on to huge success and in just 9 years were producing hundreds of thousands of gallons of scrumptious cider. 60 years later they are still going strong.

This month Merrydown sent me a challenge. They sent 4 bottles of their yummy cider in a beautiful wicker picnic hamper along with a £20 voucher to spend at Sainsburys. The challenge was to make a chutney, using one of their ciders, as a delicious accompaniment to a traditional Ploughmans lunch.

When it comes to chutney I usually make a red onion version but for this challenge I decided to go for broke and experiment a little. I'm obsessed with beetroot at the moment and so I immediately thought it would make a good combo with some orange and a good glug or three of cider.  And was I right! It tastes delicious. You can find the recipe below...

For our ploughmans I baked a whole ham in a honey & mustard glaze and served it with 2 types of hard cheese. In the Ye Olde olden days, it was traditional to use hard cheese as it was easy to wrap up and put in your bag and you didn't have to worry about it getting squished. The lady at the cheese counter in Sainsburys was incredibly lovely and helped me pick my two cheeses: Belton Farm Shropshire Red and Barbers Premier Moo Mature Cheddar. They were both very extremely tasty and paired marvelously with the chutney.

 Of course, any cider we didn't use for chutney making Mr D and I quite happily drunk. We do like cider in the summer months and Merrydown is surprisingly light compared to other brands we've tried. It was incredibly easy to drink (responsibly - Mr D). The none-more-tasty Blackcurrent Cider was just the right side of fruity/sweet and the Medium Cider, at a whopping 6%, packed a very velvety punch without actually slapping you in the face, unlike other 'premium strength' ciders.

What's your favourite type of chutney and what do you have it with? Don't forget, if you try out the recipe let me know your thoughts. I think it would make a great Christmas gift. Fortunately I made plenty and the whole family can't wait to try it with other things. I can imagine it being quite tasty with duck. NOM NOM QUACK!

Enjoy,

SPICED BEETROOT, ORANGE & MERRYDOWN CIDER CHUTNEY

Ingredients

1kg raw beetroot peeled and diced
3 onions
2 cooking apples
Zest and juice of 3 oranges
2 tbsp white mustard seeds
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp ground cloves
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
500g sugar
250ml white vinegar
250ml Merrydown medium cider

First of all prep all of your ingredients. I used a spiralizer to cut my beetroot as I wanted thin slices and not huge chunks, then used a knife to chop it down further. You don't have to do this and can simply cut chunks or use a grater to whatever your personal preference is.  One thing though; wear gloves. When peeling and chopping raw beetroot the juices can, and likely will, stain.

Once all your veg is prepared, put into a preserving pan or saucepan. You want your mixture to be simmering so bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat slowly to a simmer. Keep it like this for  1 and a half to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. It will reduce to a thick jammy consistency. Yum.

Whilst your waiting for your chutney to be at the right consistency, prepare your jars. Do this by washing with warm soapy water and then place in a preheated oven for 10-15min to sterilise. 

Once your mixture is at the right consistency allow it to rest for 10min. Carefully spoon into your sterilised jars and seal whilst still hot. I managed to fill 3 x kilner jars with my mixture.

This chutney can be enjoyed straight away but will be even better after a month. It will keep for up to 6 months if stored in a cool dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and eat within 2 months.

This post was written in association with Merrydown cider who provided me with a sample pack of their product and financial compensation for ingredients used. All images are subject to copyright. Please ask for permission before using! Thank you :)

WHAT MOLLY WORE: Crochet Poncho

WHAT MOLLY WORE:

WHITE TOP > H&M

SILVER CAT SHOES > H&M

SKINNY JEANS > MATALAN
PONCHO > MADE BY ME
 

Just wanted to share a little crochet project I just finished the other week. I made little Mo a bright pink poncho as she had outgrown her last one. I was given an old 70s pattern a little while ago and this is what inspired me to make this little poncho for Molly. Unfortunately I have a tendency to start a project, get distracted and don't touch it for awhile. So, on returning to finish the poncho I had forgotten about the pattern and had to make the rest up (way to not setting a good example on how to do things, yeah?). 

I'm quite pleased with the results and most importantly Molly loves it! She's been eagerly watching me make it and even helped me pick the colours. Of course, every poncho for a little girl has to have pink in it! I think she will get a lot of wear out of it over the Summer.

Over the next week, I will try to put together a pattern for anyone who would like to make it. Send me a message if you're interested!

Big love,

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WHAT I WORE: Sunshiny yellow

WHAT I WORE:

1960s SUEDE CARDIGAN > BEYOND RETRO

TOTE BAG > BEYOND RETRO

FLARES > 18th AMENDMENT

1960s CREAM KNIT TOP > WAS MY MOTHERS

SILVER EARRINGS > FROM A SOUK IN MOROCCO 

Now that the warmer months have come upon us it's a perfect opportunity to put those winter coats into storage and start to wear spring jackets and knits. I got this 1970s suede cardigan from Beyond Retro recently and think it's one of my best buys so far this year. The suede panels down the front is incredibly soft and I love the cheerful mustard yellow. Its a great addition to wear with flares or a suede skirt, just perfect for the 70s trend at the moment.

As you can tell, I'm quite obsessed with the 70s at the moment, so there will be quite a few boho outfits coming up soon. Watch this space! Will you be embracing the 70s trend this Summer and what has been your favourite buy so far this year?

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REVIEW: Clarks children's shoes

Clarks recently invited Molly and I to have a look at their children's range. We've always been a fan of the brand and this is our go-to place when it comes to buying school shoes. You know you will always get good quality and peace of mind that your children's tootsies are in good hands when they're wearing a pair of Clarks'.

We did plan to get a pair of school shoes but Molly fell in love with these pink patent leather  pumps. I don't think we would of left the shop without them, either that or a full blown tantrum! This highlights the various different styles on offer at Clarks, all of which are designed to last. I know other parents that spend much less on school shoes and they generally don't last anywhere near as long, so I think spending that little bit extra actually saves you more in the long run.   

Clarks have taken care of growing feet for over 170 years. With children spending over 1000 hours in school shoes before they grow out of them, it makes sense they should be wearing the best! It's always been a bit of a tradition  in our family to go there but school shoes have changed a lot since I was a little girl. There's heaps more options on offer, from flashing lights when they walk to hidden compartments in the heel, inspiring the kids at playtime.

With expert sales assistants to hand, making sure you have the right fit is easy-peasy, totally stress free. Shoe sizes are checked using an 'ipad fitting experience' where the kids get to choose a character (Jack or Daisy) to interact with to help them with their fitting. Very different from when I was a kid! Molly's feet measured 12 1/2 F but still had plenty of room to grow if need be. That's another great thing about Clarks, they provide 1/2 and whole shoe sizes to make sure your child has the perfect fit!

Do you remember wearing Clarks' to school?

Big love,

WHAT MOLLY WORE:

DRESS >

CARDIGAN >

TIGHTS > MARKS & SPENCER

SHOES > CLARKS

BAG > SUN JELLIES

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