Monday 29 October 2012

Cream of pumpkin soup


Everybody has a speciality in the kitchen. Chicken pie, spaghetti bolognese, cupcakes, maybe even cheese on toast. Mine is most definitely soup...no specific type, just soup. 
With Wednesday fast approaching and my little pumpkin sat outside waiting to be carved, I decided that today was the perfect opportunity to whip up a batch of pumpkin soup. I found a simple recipe and even went the extra mile with some croutons...


Sunday 28 October 2012

One, two, three

I've never really been a big lover of Halloween. I mean, it was amazing when I was younger. I'd spend ages dressing up in bin bags with my sister and we'd pretend we were witches or ghosts, whilst dancing around a massive bonfire; however nowadays I think the decorations and hype of it is just all a bit too much. Weirdly enough, this year I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm going out for drinks with some friends and I have a pretty fabulous (if not rather creepy) looking costume, so it should be fun fun fun! 

Hope you all have a great halloween too...would love to hear what you have planned!


The little cola bottle in the middle of a sculpture at Liverpool Tate


Cosy, autumnal nights made even more perfect with my Orla Kiely candle


Saturday night + macaroni cheese + fair isle

Sunday 21 October 2012

One, two, three

After what turned out to be a surprisingly chilled week, I'm now on holiday until the 29th. YES. With plans to meet up with friends and trips to visit a variety of different places, I'm actually pretty excited to have a week away from college. Just have to find time for a bit of artwork, somewhere in between.

Enjoy the week ahead!


Munchkin Pumpkins - appropriately named, I feel


Feeling ever so healthy by starting the day with this


A little bit of a redecoration 

Friday 19 October 2012

Ampersand

 A few weeks back, whilst doing an innocent bit of internet shopping, I came across these fabulous things and instantly fell in love with the ampersand design. I decided that as much as I loved it, I was not willing to part with that amount of money and so hadn't really pursued it any further. I then came across this when I was in Hobbycraft the other day and after previously being so inspired, decided to create my own ampersand (using a similar idea) with some amazing paper from John Lewis and a little PVA. Here are the simple steps I took...


et voila....simple really!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Autumnal nails

I've read pretty much all of them. I think you've probably read pretty much all of them (Don't lie). Now I'm going to join the club and give you the five nail varnishes that I'm currently loving this Autumn. 


To start it all off is Raspberry by Barry M - I think this is my all time favourite nail polish (I'm wearing it as I type). It is a beautiful, deep cherry colour; perfect for any occasion, day or night. I think this is my third time of purchasing it. 



Next is Threadbare by Topshop - I'm a massive fan of Topshop nail varnishes; for the quality that you get, I think the price is amazing. This one is just a classic nude with a slight grey/beige tone, that looks great on anyone.


As you can probably already see, this is Rose Confidentiel by Chanel - there is a slight chance that I may have accidentally stolen this from my Mum (I'm a student. There is no way I can afford Chanel). Having said that, this polish is so wonderful in every way, that I think even I would part with the money to get this bad boy. 



This is Chateau by 17 - You may think that this is fairly similar to my Barry M choice, however once this is on your nails, the colour is much more red and there is a very subtle gold shimmer, that is perfect for an October party. 


Finally, I've chosen Khaki Force by Miss Sporty - I was quite surprised when I bought this, as green isn't really one of those colours that I go for when it comes to choosing nail varnish. Having said that, I am absolutely and completely IN LOVE with this one. It is so easy to apply (streak-free)and the colour is a gorgeous, dark green, that doesn't look harsh against your skin, in any way. 

What nail varnishes are you currently loving this autumn season?

Sunday 14 October 2012

One, two, three

I think it's fair to say that it's officially winter. As I left for college, a few days ago, the sight of my breath and reading '4°C' on the car, confirmed this. As much as I love summer (and I really do love summer - with its long and occasionally sunny days), the fact that I'm practically living in my grey woolly tights and every leaf around me is quickly turning a deep shade of crimson...is somewhat exciting! 

It has to be said though, that I think it is a little too premature for shops to be selling advent calendars. I mean, I haven't even bought a pumpkin yet.


My company at breakfast time - beautifully dip-dyed pink



This song is so incredibly wonderful, it can't help but make you feel good inside 


Love a good open day - SO excited for next year now

Friday 12 October 2012

Forever changes

Being the art student that I am, I have recently started to feel an overwhelming need to visit every gallery possible...and with this one being textiles based (I'm hoping to specialise in textile design, you see) I couldn't say no to the oppurtunity to pop in.


Ruthin Craft Centre is currently exhibiting a vast range of work which documents Michael Brennand-Wood’s practice over forty yearsHis fascination with the geometric beauty of stitch structures, resulted in him producing a series of grid works in which stained and painted wood was threaded and wrapped with yarn, fabric or paper. 


And of course, after a hard morning of trundling around a pretty large gallery, the obvious thing to do was stop in at the cafe on the way out. Even though we only had a light lunch (they do make a mean open sandwich), their cake display was amazing...I did have my eye on a cheeky chocolate brownie!


So to any of you fellow 'arty' people, or those who just like the odd gallery from time to time, I would most definitely recommend that you visit Ruthin. As well as the fact that the main exhibitions are ever changing (Michael Brennand-Wood is running until 25th November), there are a few smaller studios which you can have a look at as well. Then again, you could just go for the cake...

Sunday 7 October 2012

One, two, three

This past week hasn't particularly been the most exciting, so I'm afraid I don't really have much to tell you lovely lot! If I haven't been in college or doing artwork, then I've been getting used to how everything works at my new job. However, this weekend I have most definitely taken advantage of the few extra hours in bed, in the morning...and have enjoyed every minute of it!

Here are a few things that have made me smile this week...  


In charge of bedtime stories when babysitting my little cousins (MOOOOOO...)



Heaven on a plate - literally been living off this


A wooden postcard - yes, woooden

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Sugary blackberry crumble


I've always thought that crumble is one of those dishes that just screams 'winter' at you, and with the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, it seemed like the perfect way to welcome October. With its crisp, sugary topping and the warmth of the soft fruit below, it is a dessert that I find difficult to say no to. (Even more so when there is a large dollop of fresh custard to accompany it.)