Blogs: What I am reading at the moment

I do not have an official blog roll of the what I read but I do have a personal list of websites and pages that go to for a noisy. Some make me laugh, some make me think and others offer some form of inspiration.

So I thought I would share four blogs that influence me in the last six months.



Blog: Hannah Gayle

Theme: personal/lifestyle

Why Read It: Only a recent addition to my reading list but I adore her warmth, humour and the keen observations she makes. There is a vulnerability to her writing that is unusual in blogs these days. As a fellow list fan I find myself laughing at the truthful observations she makes whilst considering quite grown up themes. 

Example post: 27 things all women learn about men in their twenties

Blog: Amber Interiors

Theme: interiors with a splash of style/lifestyle

Why Read it: Anyone who secretly (and not so secretly) lusts after the soCal life style should tune into this blog for house porn. I first stubbled accross it after I realised that nearly every Pinterest pin I had for house inspiration took me to one of Amber's beautifully put together designs. Filled with top tips, inspiration and Amber's inescapable style, this blog is a breath of fresh air. Amber's aesthetic is impeccable and much copied with the most amazing use of ethnic textiles you will ever see. 

Example Post: Before & After: Dr Client Clients

Blog: Un-Fancy

Theme: minimalist wardrobe 

Why Read it: If you find yourself feeling like you have nothing to wear despite having a wardrobe full of clothes this this the blog for you. Coming from a desire not to over consume or over spend Caroline's 37 price core capsules wardrobes for each of the four seasons will encourage to fall in love with your wardrobe again. I'm taking her approach to heart but more of that later. 

Example Post: How to build a capsule Wardrobe

Blog: Smitten Kitchen

Theme: food

Why Read it: Filled with the sort of dishes that you imagine you should be able to whip up to impress your guests. From hearty cauliflower cheese and pretzel buns to sticky toffee cake and decedent hot chocolate, this website has comfort food down. When you have guests and you need inspiration over what to make this site has it covered. 

Example Post: Carrot, Cider and Olive Oil Cake

SHARE:

0 comments

Swinton Bivouac

For my 30th I shunned the usual night out or a week of excess for a relaxing mini break with my longest standing friends in a cabin in the woods.

I found the cabin through a website called Canopy and Stars (a recommendation from RM who used it for a Hen do) which specialises in alternative accommodation ranging from tree houses to yurts. 

Before I left the boy made me promise three things. That I would not go down any cellars, I would not pick anything up in a cellar and I would not read anything in Latin aloud. Yes he does love a horror movie or thirteen. 

Swinton Bivouac is a breath of fresh air compared the hustle and bustle of working life and it was exactly what I needed after a manic October and early November.

The Cabin we booked slept 7 and we were told that it would comfortably sleep a family with children but would be tight with all adults. I have to say that it perfectly suited us as a group but might have been tighter if our other halves had also been present taking up more space. 

Heated by a wood burning stove it was almost too warm at night despite the misty winter frosts. We surrounded ourselves with candle light (there was one solar powered light in the kitchen area) and wine and relaxed. 

The site had the sort of shabby chic Restaurant that is made for weddings and we popped there on the first night before snuggling into our bunks. 

A reasonably long walk the next day took us to Masham which retains a Victorian Christmas card charm. 

You can tell you have gone up country when there is honesty parking and hatches with eggs for purchase along the roads.

On site there is the Druid's Temple, which we wandered around taking silly photographs. 

If you are looking for a relaxing break away from distractions then I can not recommend this place enough.

SHARE:

0 comments

Walk the Moors

Just before we entered the New Year I went up to Ilkley Moor to have a wander and take in the views. 

It was one of those icy days were the snow was still crunching underfoot but the sky's warmth was melting the icicles away. 

We wondered up the hill towards the Bath House enjoying the views over Ilkley. 

Trying to work out which direction to take before heading accross to the Cow and Calf.

A wholesome walk where the air was fresh, the wind was brisk and you leave feeling a lot happier than you were before you arrived.  

We played with our cameras. I quite like taking "negative" pictures where the objects in the foreground become silhouettes against a vivid sky.  

There were even a few decent pictures of me (cheekily taken when I thought the background was being photographed and I wanted to get moving)

And we escaped the Moors as the sun set before heading to Ilkley for some food. 

SHARE:

0 comments