Wishlist 13 - June Edition

Bracelet / Bracelet / Scarf / Headband / Dress / Phone case / Dress / Flats / Top / Bottle / Bag / Blazer

Oh dear- it seems as though my wishlists have become apology posts... I've been a little (okay, very) busy this month- revision, revision, exams and err... revision, so it has generally not been so interesting, and I wish I could have spent more time blogging :(. 

Luckily, it is nearly the summer holidays and I have planned some posts and it is also my blog's first birthday soon, and I have some exciting celebrations planned- keep an eye out! 

Caroline xxx

A Week of Photos- Monday

Monday: Officially the world's cutest bee!

I'm doing something a little different this week- I'm going to post a picture every day of what I've been getting up to, and just a few random pics that I haven't really been able to do anything with, and this bee is perfect to start this off! I caught a picture of him just before he flew off in my garden the other day, and I just smile every time I see this picture- he looks like he is waiting for a high five! 

Caroline xxx

Rocket and Parmesan Salad

This is one of my favourite salads- it is SO quick and easy to make, and goes with practically anything- it is a good pick-me-up for any meal!   

This would be about enough for around 3-4 decent portions

- a 60g (or so) packet of rocket leaves 

- around 50g pine nuts

- a block of parmesan (I used about a quarter, but it is down to personal taste) 

- olive oil

- salt & pepper

Start by washing the rocket thoroughly. Then, using a vegetable peeler, shave as much as you want out onto a plate.

Spread the pine nuts out on a baking tray, and toast them in the oven- you have to watch them very carefully, and take them out when golden brown as they can burn very quickly.

Add the pine nuts and the parmesan to the rocket, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly. (I find the pine nuts tend to end up in a pile at the bottom) 

Enjoy! 

Caroline xxx

Lost & Found

A little peek of what I've been up to lately- I feel I haven't blogged in a while!

Caroline xxx

Inspiration Wall DIY

This is quite a short simple DIY that is pretty self explanatory, so I decided to show you a few of the places I found a few posters, printable photos and vintage clip- art. I started with some posters I have collected- Vintage maps of Paris & London (couldn't find the specific London one I have- sorry!) and a seriously amazing Dalek poster.

I started by putting up my posters, my mirror and a framed butterfly papercut I have that I got on holiday. I used a couple of hooks, and white tack to attach them. 

I found some gorgeous camera prints from here that are absolutely beautiful. I didn't use any but these cutesy prints are adorable!

The rest were postcards, photos and paper bags, apart from a few vintage pieces of clip art- from here and here. If you have a favourite quote you want on your wall, try here for some pretty typography.

This is such a simple way to keep postcards and photos on display and it adds a little originality to a plain old wall!

Caroline xxx

Trail Mix DIY

Today was so sunny that I think I can definitely say Spring is almost here, and along with it long Spring walks! I first came across trail mix in a book a while ago, and wondered how I hadn't heard of it before! It's perfect for long walks and car journeys, and I normally keep mine in an old altoids tin, but I found some cute little jars from Tiger (Sorry- I couldn't find them on the website!) and knew they would be perfect to keep trail mix in, and to give as tiny gifts!

 

I used Sharpies and permanent markers to draw patterns and little pictures on the jars. I left the last side blank for a list of ingredients.

Next, I chose my ingredients and cut them up so that they were about as small as my little finger. Some of them, like the glazed orange peel didn't need cutting at all as they were quite small to start off with. Be VERY careful when you are cutting them up, especially sticky ingredients like dried mango or crystallised ginger and hard nuts and cereals. (Obviously don't use nuts or fruits you are allergic to either!)

I collected all my ingredients together and taste- tested them to find the nicest combinations. This is what I used: (from top left) granola, pistachio nuts, muesli, glazed orange peel, raisins, blanched almonds, dried mango and sesame snaps. I went for quite a healthy mix, although you could also use things like mini-marshmallows, chocolate chips and pieces of digestive biscuits. Don't use fresh fruits  or things that are likely to go soggy after a while (like some biscuits etc...)

 

Once you have decided which ingredients you want in each jar, you can either layer them up, or mix all the ingredients together- I did one of each! 

 

And there you go! Once you have eaten it all, you can try a different combination of ingredients! Yum!

Caroline xxx

Wishlist 8 - Yellow / Cream

Bag / Shirt / Blazer / Lip Balm / Tee /  Shirt / Bag / Sunglasses / Clock / 

Nail Polish / Flats / Bracelet / Vans / Cardigan

Christmas Present Tips

I spent a LONG time the other day looking for Christmas presents,

and I thought I would share a few of my last-minute-Christmas-shopping tips!

Tip 1- Look in places other people wouldn't

It's always tricky finding nice presents in places EVERYONE shops,

especially as you don't know whether they already have it, or something similar.

My solution: avoid those shops! 

An example of  an ideal Christmas shop is Waterstones, who do really good,

mini-presents (see above) but it is known as a bookshop 

so you wouldn't expect it!

  

Tip 2- Get UNIQUE presents

This is a bit trickier and requires a bit of patience,

but you can try charity shops and crafty markets, 

as sometimes you can find really pretty presents, 

like old silk scarves and vintage jewellery.

For a bit less effort, you can try online places like Etsy.

Tip 3- Put a bit of thought into it!

This is a bit (!) similar to tip 2, but if you think about the person you are 

buying for, and think about where you are likely to find the perfect 

present, it will help you loads, 

and save a lot of frustration!!!

try places like Little Moose, Tatty Devine,

Love from Hetty & Dave, and Modcloth (although mind out

because modcloth is american- shipping would take longer.)

Tip 4- DIY it!

There is nothing that is as special as a handmade

present, and the time you put in really pays off! 

My absolute favourite is this embroidered top (see above)

for ABM by Kelli Murray. Soooo cute!

Or this adorable hot air balloon mobile 

(in christmassy colours they would look amazing on the tree!)from how joyful.

A pretty lampshade from Honestly WTF, and the liberty fabric (©!)

Or an unusual cupcake from mingmakescupcakes! 

These would always be very welcome!

Happy Christmas!!!!

Caroline xxx

Golden Syrup & Cinnamon Porridge DIY

Ok, so I'm soo sorry I haven't posted in a while, 

but I've been so busy and haven't had any time :(

but here is a simple DIY for you, and I promise I will post a bit more in the holidays!

How to make Golden Syrup & Cinnamon Porridge!

You need golden syrup or honey,

milk, quick porridge sachets,and cinnamon.

Start by following the instructions on the porridge,

but only cook for half the time.

Then you add a squeeze of golden syrup or honey,

and a teaspoon of cinnamon and mix, mix, mix! 

Finish cooking it.

Add a bit more cinnamon to taste. Yummy! 

Caroline xx

It's nearly Christmas!!!!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while- life has been very busy
these last few weeks!
Guess what I figured out today? 

It is only one month until Christmas!!!

I thought I'd share a little of what I've been doing this weekend...

I found this absolutely gorgeous bag (William Morris print)
from Liberty, it makes me sad though, because it is £195....

And, I know, I know, I keep going on about these candles

but they are absolutely gorgeous!!! My favourite is the 

chocolate brownie one. It smells amazing! They are from IKEA

And finally some of my instagrams from November and October!

(And I thought I'd just say a massive thank you to everyone who has got here 

by one of my little skylark tags (top right) 

and to those of you that are spreading the word!!!)

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!!!

Caroline xxx

Wishlist 5...

I spotted a few of these things the other day (Christmas shopping already!!!)

and I thought I'd do a little wishlist for you :)

1. Coconut macaroon scented candle.... yes please!!! From anthropologie

2. This is possibly the cutest necklace EVER!!! From modcloth

3. I love this toothbrush holder (from urban outfitters), reminds me 

of the coffee and TV blur video- here

4. These gorgeous earmuffs are from modcloth

5. This is possibly my dream present, from urban outfitters

6. This Swedish- inspired dala horse from possibly the cutest shop ever-

little moose

7. This bag is very cute and pretty, again from little moose

8. Finally, I think this origami necklace would work well

stacked up with a few other simple pendants- from etsy

just a few ideas if you are stuck for Christmas shopping inspiration!!!

Caroline xxx

The Last Few Leaves...

I know, I know, two posts in one day,

but I wanted to capture the last few green plants before winter comes,

and one thing you might have noticed about me is that 

I love taking pictures of plants.

There is something magical about this time of year!