Cosy autumn finds...

I start this post with an apology for the sparse blogging of late, I have excuses at the ready though! Firstly, I was enjoying the weather and basking in the beauty of my little baby boy. Secondly, I have not been in great health. Thirdly, we have been busy with the stressful pursuit of purchasing a house. I hope you have all enjoyed your summer and are now getting ready for the more inclement weather.

The weather appears to be turning, and as I am eagerly awaiting moving, I am currently dreaming of cosy autumnal nights sat in front of the fireplace in my new home. I cannot wait to start baking stodgy puddings, and making hearty soups. With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, then the build up to Christmas, I could not be more excited! I love this time of year!

1 Hand knit mug warmer from Etsy.

2 Cookie jar from Marks and Spencers.

3. Furry boot slippers from Accessorize. 

4. Booties from Next.

5. Cable knit jumper from Joules.

6. Pyjamas from Next.

7. Earmuffs from Accessorize.

1. Gloves from Accessorize. 

2. Flower earrings from Accessorize.

3. Leaf necklace from Accessorize.

4. Shoes from Monsoon.

5. Bag from Accessorize.

6. Shoes from Accessorize.

7. Dress from Monsoon. 

Since I have done these style boards, I had a quick trip into my local Primark and bought some bargain versions of two of the items.  I bought a cable knit jumper pretty much identical to number 5 and some studded nude ballet flats identical to number 6. The jumper was £12 (unlike the Joules version at £69.95) and the ballet flats were £6. (unlike the Accessorize at £25) I was a happy shopper! 

Hopefully in the coming weeks we will move into our new home and I am looking forward to sharing with you the transformation into a cosy little nest! I won't leave my next visit with you so long next time! 

How to make pretty picnics

For my birthday, I asked for a picnic basket, and we have already been out in the sunshine making good use of my present. In the summer holidays my 4 year old niece is coming to stay, and I can't wait to create some pretty pink picnics. She is quite the picnic connoisseur, and is often seen setting one up on the living room floor. Therefore I'm going to have to pull something out of the bag to make it special.

1. Pink hearts melamine plate by Emma Bridgewater.

2. Linen sprig acrylic tumbler by Cath Kidston.

3. Linen sprig melamine bowl by Cath Kidston.

4. Linen sprig acrylic wine glass by Cath Kidston.

5. Children's melamine tea set by Emma Bridgewater,

6. Pink hearts melamine bowl by Emma Bridgewater.

7. Pink Tweed Dress by Oasis.

8. Linen sprig plate by Cath Kidston.

9. Linen sprig melamine stacking mug by Cath Kidston.

10. Butterfly bunting by Laura Ashley.

11. Pink rose girl's dress by JoJo Maman Bebe.

1. Polka dot dress by Mod Cloth.

2. Provencal rose bowl by Cath Kidston.

3. Picnic basket by Next.

4, Rose earrings by Mod Cloth.

5, Provencal rose flask by Cath Kidston.

6. Melamine 3 tier cake stand by Laura Ashley.

7. Pink gingham dress from JoJo Maman Bebe.

8. Provencal rose bowl from Cath Kidston.

9. Provencal rose beaker by Cath Kidston

10. Floral tea set by Argos.

I'm planning on utilising my masses of pretty pink material, lace and ribbons that my husband berates me for buying. I also have flower garlands and fairy lights for in the trees. I'm hoping to get some butterflies and fairies to hide around. This would make a great idea for a little girl's birthday party. You could pick their favourite park and organise treasure hunts and games without worrying about them smashing into your furniture or trampling your flowerbeds. 

Polka dot crazy...

I love polka dots. I may have fads with my clothing, but one thing that stays a staple of my wardrobe is polka dots. Here's some of the wonderful polka dotty items out there that I like...

1. Spotty tights from Tights Please.

2. Polka dot skirt from New Look. 

3. Polka dot wedges from Tesco.

4. Polka dot teapot from John Lewis.

5. Polka dot dress from Next. 

6. Polka dot bag from Tesco. 

7. Polka dot mug from Matalan.

8. Polka dot swimsuit from Asda.

9. Polka dot umbrella from John Lewis.

10. Polka dot swimsuit from Next. 

1. Polka dot dress from Dorothy Perkins.

2. Polka dot mug from Matalan. 

3. Polka dot dress from Oasis.

4. Polka dot dress from New Look. 

5. Polka dot bag from Debenhams. 

6. Polka dot jumper from John Lewis.

7. Polka dot skirt from Oasis.

8. Polka dot jumper from Oasis. 

9. Polka dot ballet pumps from Zara. 

10. Polka dot top from Dorothy Perkins.

Spring pastels

Although you would not realise it with the weather outside (we've had snow this morning!), today is the first day of spring. I'm dreaming of getting my pre-pregnancy size 8 figure back , and the shopping trips to reinvent my wardrobe with New Mummy style.  I know a lot of women like maternity clothes, but I never really got used to my new shape. Despite still being huge and not able to ditch the maternity clothes, I'd love to get some pretty springtime pastels, so here's a few of my picks.

1. Yellow shift dress from Monsoon.

2. Mint rose bracelet from Etsy.

3. Mint necklace from Debenhams.

4. Emerald and Ivory dress from John Lewis.

5. Mint print wrap dress from John Lewis.

6. Mint coloured nail polish from Debenhams.

7. Mint polka dot hairband from Miss Selfridge.

8. Blue dress from French Connection.

9. Mint scarf from Debenhams.

10. Dress from John Lewis.

1. Lace dress from John Lewis. 

2. Set of hair pins from Debenhams.

3. Pink watch from Miss Selfridge.  

4. Floral print dress from French Connection.

5. Peach peep toe pumps from Debenhams.

6. Pink nail varnish from Debenhams.

7. Nude Peter Pan blouse from Miss Selfridge.

8. Heart scarf from Oasis. 

9. Trousers from French Connection.

10. Summer top from French Connection.

My cousin Alex brought me round these adorable and delicious cake pops in pretty springtime colours to cheer me up. I think this could be a future tutorial, if she will reveal her secrets. Let's hope that the springlike weather will soon be on its way!

Notebook style crush

Whilst I have been recuperating, I have been watching several girly movies in an attempt to pick up my spirits. One movie that always provides a good old cathartic cry is The Notebook. I think every girl would love to have the wardrobe from this movie. Here are some affordable alternatives...

1. Polka dot tea dress from Ebay.

2. Rose hair corsage from Accessorize.

3. Pearl ring from Debenhams. 

4. Polka dot dress from Wallis. 

5. Retro floral suitcase from Not On The High Street.com.

6. Blue Artist dress from Modcloth.

7. Rosebud hair clips from Oasis at ASOS.

8. Pearl necklace from Debenhams. 

9. Pink polka dot hairband from Accessorize.

10. Nude court shoe from Debenhams. 

11. Pink bow barette from Topshop.

12. Blue flock print dress from Dorothy Perkins.

1. Backyard Date Dress from Modcloth.

2. Red tea dress from River Island.

3. Silk lined leather gloves from ASOS. 

4. Lindy bop tea dress from Vintage Twists. 

5. Red rose hair clip from Ebay. 

6. Picnic in Paradise dress from Modcloth. 

7. Red notebook from Paperchase. 

8. Red polka dot bikini from Forluna.

9. Cut out court shoes from Debenhams.

10. Polka dot hairband from Ebay. 

11. Floral belted dress from Dorothy Perkins.