Trying To Look Good

For today's post, I have very nobly offered up this ridiculous picture of myself for my readers' enjoyment. Aren't I a good sport?

Ignoring the fact that I look pretty comical, the snap is pretty good for illustrating my current focus - trying to look good. Generally.

Now I admit, it may be too early to be thinking about it, but I don't want to leave sorting myself out until a few days before our wedding, and then realise that the regimes that would have worked a treat for my skin, hair etc. should have been initiated several weeks previously...

That's why I'm currently working on improving certain features, trying out different products, and getting advice from various sources {girlfriends}. It may all seem a little vain, but don't we all want to look good from time to time?

Travel Bucket List

As written in my Instagram bio, I've been bitten by the travel bug.

Even though I'm lucky enough to have explored lots of amazing places already, there are so many more I want to visit!

I've managed to tick quite a few of the European countries off my list, but there are still a couple of cities I want to spend a weekend in. Mr MM and I love city breaks - we've had some brilliant ones in the last few years, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Glasgow, and I'm very keen for us to organise some more!

Stroopwafel Cheesecake

Happy Friday!

What a busy week it’s been, what with both Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day in the space of 48 hours... We can barely move, what with the amount we’ve eaten.

One of the things we gorged on this week was cheesecake. And not just any old cheesecake - oh no. This was cheesecake made with stroopwafels!

As soon as I saw the lovely Jennie’s recipe appear on Instagram, I knew I had to try and make it. Mr MM and I had a wonderful trip to Amsterdam last year, and often enjoy a stroopwafel with a cup of coffee as a fond reminder of our time there. This cheesecake then was the obvious choice of dessert to whip up for Valentine’s Day.

Writing

I’ve noticed something about my blog posts; the ones which I enjoy writing the most appear to be the ones which you, dear readers, seem to enjoy reading the most. How convenient!

My next observation is that these posts tend to be my most honest, and the ones where I really write. The ones where I truly focus on portraying my emotions and feelings in an accurate way, and sometimes lay myself very bare. It’s these posts which seem to reach out to folk, to invoke similar sentiments and reactions.

I love to hear from readers of the blog who have been through situations like mine, both the positive and the negative, or who have struggled with the same battles I have. Whether it’s to offer their own support or advice, or whether it’s to say thank you for helping them to realise that they are not alone, it is always incredibly rewarding and humbling to read these comments.

The crux of the matter is – I love writing this blog. 

The Weekend Edit 09/02 - Pyjama Party

Satin Dandelions | TinkerBell {In the sale!} | Midnight Blue Floral | Robe | Teal | Brushed Flannel {In the sale!} | Coffee O'Clock | Pyjama Top | Grey Woven {In the sale!} | Flocked Hearts | Silk Nightshirt | Sleeping Beauty | Floral Short Sleeve | Satin Lace Trim {In the sale!} | Red Print | Pure Cotton | 

I made a bit of an embarrassing mistake with this post - it was supposed to appear on the blog a couple of weeks ago, and was enthusiastically advertised on my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages - but I forgot to actually publish it...

Anyway, the post is here now! And it's an important one, because I love a good pyjama party.

My girlfriends and I used to have sleepovers all the time growing up - and it was only a few weeks ago that we had our last one. It was just like old times; a girly film, popcorn, chocolate and lots of cushions and blankets {although Prosecco never used to feature in our school days...}

It's hardly a surprise then that I have a bit of a thing for pyjamas - like I know lots of us do! So I've shared a few of my favourites in this Weekend Edit.

Valentine's Gift Guide 2018

Socks {In the sale!} | Lavender Heart-Shaped Tealights | Red Roses Bath Oil | Satin Robe | Eau de toilette | Ceramic Hearts | Leather Crossbody Bag | Ponte Dress | Diamond, Pearl & Heart Bangle | Wellibobs | Pink Hearts French Bowl | Raspberry Coat |

So many people dislike Valentine's Day, which I think is a real shame. I know it's easy for me to say, what with me being in a relationship, but I really do look forward to it each year. It is, after all, a day celebrating love! In all its shapes and sizes.

February Profile - THE ARTIST

Back in January I kick-started my wonderful new monthly profile series.

Over the course of twelve months, I am interviewing a range of creative, enthusiastic and dedicated professionals, passionate about their respective areas of expertise and willing to share the love for their subject with you all.

I hope that these interviews will be inspiring, helpful for those wishing to pursue similar careers, and most importantly, an interesting and insightful read.

The response we've had so far has been fantastic! I am therefore really excited to introduce you all to my February profile, Sarah Elizabeth Butler - artist, illustrator, and creator of utterly beautiful things.

T H E  A R T I S T 

How did you initially become interested in art and drawing? 

I have had a strong passion for art for as long as I can remember, and was always drawing and making things as a young child. In fact, I spent little time doing anything else according to my family! When I was about 7, I would spend hours and hours creating tiny intricate hand drawn maps of imagined magical lands.

I remember when I was about 14, I was in a restaurant on a family trip to Bruges and the owner noticed me sketching away in my journal. He came over with his wife and their new baby, and asked if I would mind doing a sketch of their baby! I was thrilled that someone I’d never met had asked me to draw for them so, of course, I said yes. They seemed pleased with the drawing and, much to my surprise, gave me 10€ as a thank-you - that was my first ever commission!