Bloggers meet Brussels

The weekend brought with it a 5am wake up call, lots of coffee, and a wonderful experience.

I was lucky enough to join a group of fabulous bloggers on a complimentary day trip to Brussels, on behalf of Eurostar and the 'Little Break, Big Difference' campaign.

So what did my 'little break' entail? Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

A trip to learn about all things choco-related at Planete Chocolat.....

.... followed by a swanky lunch at famous restaurant The Belga Queen...

....walking around La Grand-Place admiring the architecture ....

.... ogling the confectionery and cuter than cute sweet shops amidst the cobbled streets ......

.... and then on to the atmospheric Christmas Market, with sparkling lanterns, mulled wine and vintage carousels.

My little break in Brussels was exactly what I needed.

Ah go on, organise your very own little Christmas break - I bet you deserve it! x

Mad about Movember

Are you a supporter of Movember?

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache.

During the month of November, men (or Mo Bro's as they are commonly known) around the globe take on the challenge of growing and grooming a moustache.

To date, Movember has raised over £30 million globally for the fight against prostate cancer and depression in men and will continue to work towards helping to change established habits and attitudes and make men aware of the risks they face, thereby increasing early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

If that was not enough reason to support this fantastic campaign, here are five reasons why moustaches should rock your world....

1. Johnny Depp has one.

2. Diversity. Us girls get to experiment with our hair style, length, colour, cut, fringe, bangs, and texture. It's time for the boys to bring some creativity to their faces!

3. These Mugs by Peteri Bruegger. In bone china. awesome.

4. Party Favours. Perfect for a wedding too!

5. My name is Earl. 'cos it's funny.

“A man without a moustache is like a cup of tea without sugar”
~ English Proverb

(images from here, here and here)

Listen to the colour of your dreams.

This lyric is one of my all time favourites.

It is a simple instruction that can simply change everything. It tells me exactly what I need to do.

You see, my dreams are fantastical, epic adventures that I often cannot bear to tear myself away from as the alarm sounds.

My dreams have always told me what I really want, and how I truly feel - even when I can't fathom such things in my ordinary days.

My dreams tell me when my loved ones need me, when I'm lying to myself and they bring back memories I thought had been buried deep.

I dream in colours that don't even seem to exist, and I need to start paying them more attention.

Do you hear what your dreams are telling you?

xx

(images we heart it)

Confessions of a Christmas Enthusiast

Is it ever too early to put up your Christmas decorations?

My Answer?

No. Not when they are this cute.

Is anyone else like me, itching to put up their decorations like, right now?!

x

A little bit Bazaar....

We had a nice pre Christmas treat when a Hawkins Bazaar toy and adventure store opened in our small + sleepy country town a few weeks back.

I keep 'accidentally' wandering in on my lunch break to get lost in the fun for five minutes. I particularly like their slogan, 'because life's too serious'.


These are some of my fave finds so far.....


A cute little soldier egg-cup + soldier shaped toast cutter

A beautiful 100 year diary in which to store a lifetime's memories

Morph bendy desk buddy

Citrus scented camper Van car freshener

Some stocking fillers indeed!

x

"There are those, who by reading out loud, can bring characters to life. Out of books and into our world."

Those of you who have seen the movie 'InkHeart' will know it is about people with a rare gift to literally read characters and their tales out of a book - and into real life.

After watching this film the other night, it got me thinking, who would I read out of a book and into my world?

Edward Cullen from Twilight?

hmmm, perhaps too complicated.

Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice?

hmmm, perhaps too obvious.

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter?

'Cos who wouldn't wanna party with a witch?!

Who, or what would you read into your life?

x

Super Cute Award

I was delighted to receive this adorable award from Kristen over at While we're waiting. Thank you hun - check out her blog it's lovely!

It translates as 'Your blog is super cute' - so needless to say passing this award forward will be easy!

So.... I hereby give this to the following blogs:

Sweet & Low - Lovely Little Things - A little house in the clouds - LaLa Lovely things - Little Glowing Lights.

Hope everyone has had a super cute weekend themselves!! x

Should one need a pick-me-up....

...Then stop by Touchnote - a site that lets you upload images to make into fun posters, personalised greeting cards and just general photo fun!

So, should you need a quick feel-good fix, it can't hurt to see your face on Vogue, Esquire, a dollar bill, a billboard in the street or as The Mona Lisa herself!

Have fun! x

Today I am most grateful for....

Cake. Lots and lots of cake.


Goldie Hawn - and all of her movies.


My new fave vintage shoes.

My wonderful, gorgeous girlfriends.

You ?

xxx

Shaking up and settling down

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a giant snowglobe.

My life is settled. still. normal. nice.

Then one day I wake up to find it has been turned upside down and I can't see for the snow.

I guess that means I simply have to wait. Wait for it to settle - so I can see things clearly once more.

Anyone know what I mean?

(image from here)

Fun over at FlickR

My new album on FlickR demonstrating my extreme love for all things embellished.

The more sequins, pearls, lace, flowers, ribbons, glitter, diamonds, netting and feathers - the better I say!

You can check out these gorgeous items in stock at The Cherry Closet online boutique.

Are you on FlickR?

Please tell me your link so I can find all your gorgeous pics - I'm keen to explore this photo haven once and for all!!

Much vintage love

xx

My New Fave Magnets

The best tool I have come across in a while - is www.mattfacer.com/fridge an application that lets you send friends and family a magnet message in those cute retro alphabets!

Just drag your letters across and enter their email, then imagine the smile on their face - easy!

So I sent my first fridge message to my boyfriend - (Above) - My favourite quote from The Notebook, of course, and went all girly mushy when I got a reply a day later.... aaaaaw

Sometimes its the silly little things in life that make you smile. I certainly recommend it!

xx

The sweetest smell

When the boyf and I stayed with my family in LA last month, after 12 days my Cousin came into our room, took a deep breath, smiled and says 'man, it smells of England in here'.

Rather hesitatantly I asked what exactly 'England' smelled like (please don't say booze, fags, beef and tea) but she paused and said.....

'Soap. Soap and Primroses'.

I thought that was super sweet.

So what did California smell like to our English noses?

'Oranges. Oranges and freshly mown grass.'

What does your part of the world smell like?

xx

Images: We heart it / Smitten photography via weheartit

Making a CAMEO appearance

One thing I wish I had done is get my silhouette portait done which was on offer at Disneyland in California. I love this kind of art and the pretty frames they come in, but alas the queue was too long - but since I returned to the UK cameo designs are appearing everywhere I look!

I'm taking it as a sign and adding some of these cherry pickings to my Christmas List....

Topshop Cameo Skirt

Etsy - Custom silhouette pendant

Etsy - Custom family Portraits

Etsy - Freehand leaf silhouette art

Etsy - Personalised pillow cases

Etsy - Custom portrait with graphic ornate frame

Lulu Guiness - Cameo Umbrella

Etsy - Portrait collection of plates

One for the weekend - can you see the man in these coffee beans?

I was sent this in an email this week - and it's seriously crazy!!

Look at the image above - and I promise this is true - there is a man amidst those coffee beans.

Once you spot him you be like ' oh yeaaaaahhhh???!!!!' and realise how obvious he was, but your brain will not let you find him easily - it's bizarre. Apparently...

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people.

If you find the man between 3 seconds - 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally.

If you find the man between 1 minute - 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein.

If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!!

And, yes, the man is really there!!!

Have a good weekend

xx

(ps - I don't know where this mail originated , so haven't credited it - if ya know, gimmee' a shout y'all!)

The Phantom Returns

I heard today that Andrew Lloyd Webber has written a sequel to the brilliant Phantom of The Opera.

It is set in New York in 1907 - 10 years on from where the last play finished, following the life of the Phantom and his continuing love for Christine.

It is called 'Love Never Dies' and shows in London from March 2010.

I am a huge fan of Phantom - the music, the passion, the storyline, the stage and screen versions take my breath away.

I wonder how the sequel will turn out, considering Phantom is the biggest selling West End show of all time. But Lloyd Webber is a genius so if anyone can do it, I guess he can?!!

We shall have to see.....

Christine: "But his voice filled my spirit with a strange, sweet sound. In that night there was music in my mind. And through music my soul began to soar! And I heard as I'd never heard before."
Raoul: "What you heard was a dream and nothing more."
Christine: "Yet in his eyes, all the sadness of the world. Those pleading eyes, that both threaten and adore..."

Anthropolgie, how I love thee, let me count the ways...

Whilst in America I totally fell in love with the store Anthropologie - I had seen it online and on various blogs but being in the shops themselves are such a delight.

On my last day in LA I approached the counter to purchase my final treasured find from my new fave shop, with a sad little face, when I was told by the lovely sales assistant that their first store is opening in London next month!!!

woo0 hooooooo (cue Chandler Bing style victory dance)

Here are some of my absolute fave offerings in the meantime - are you a fan too?!

Three-Star Apron

Paint by Numbers Dessert Plate

Carrowmore Cape

Open Wing Heels

Flamenco Shower Curtain

Cirrus Duvet

Aged Zinnia Knob

'Til next month Anthropologie !!

xx

English Girl in LA Part 2

3. A dream come true – a trip to Disneyland.

As a Disney princess enthusiast in my childhood, I always dreamed of visiting the land of fantasy, so at last my hunger for fairytale thrills was satisfied. The atmosphere was awesome, plus Sleeping Beauty told me I was pretty so she is now on my Christmas card list.

4. Who can resist a celebrity wax work, eh!?

With my other half having never visited a Madame Tussauds (whaaaaat!!???) I dragged him out of the blistering Hollywood Heat and into a world of clever celebrity imitation. Well it’s the closest I will get to Brad Pitt any time soon.

5. Born to Shop

I cannot tell a lie, the shopping in LA is supreme. The Grove was delightful, the farmers market smelled divine, Hello Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and my new fave Anthropologie. Adore Bettie Page, Forever 21, American Eagle, and oh my….the Vintage stores, antique stores, even the tacky souvenir shops have a charm of their own!

6. Let’s go Universal

Universal studios gave me an interesting insight behind the scenes of some of my fave movies. Seeing the sets and learning the tricks of the trade was so fun, I was proud to be a snap happy tourist! Though I do NOT recommend the house of horrors. I am still trying to get over it. No, seriously.

See you next year LA! xx

English Girl in LA Part 1

It's official. 12 days in Los Angeles is just not enough!

I loved it. I loved the weather, the friendly people, the pretty houses, the boutiques, the sunsets and the bars. I stayed with family I had never met and had an absolute blast - it was hard to return to the UK!

So what where the best bits?!! Where to start....

1. Take me to the Ball Game

My first ever Baseball game, I watched the LA Angels at their incredible stadium, complete with Friday night fireworks to end the night with a bang. The atmosphere was amazing and I finally learnt the rules whilst sipping on a beer and chomping on a hot dog.

2. Cupcake Heaven


A visit to the oh-so-delicious Yummy Cupcakes on Magnolia Blvd, Burbank. Mouth watering cinnamon, vanilla, red velvet, peanut, chocolate - the list goes on. The box was big. They didn't last long.

3. That's Hollywood


The star lined streets, vintage stores, tattoo parlours, fictional characters and famous faces were just like I imagined, having only ever seen it on TV. Placing my hands in Marilyn Monroe's imprints made me smile and even the crazy folk on the corners were inspirational!

xx

HELLO LA!! Any tips please?

I'm so excited, I'm finally going to Los Angeles....in a week!

My first ever trip there!

I'm staying with family I have not had the chance to meet - and I cannot wait!

So this is a plea to anyone who knows LA / Lives in LA / has been to LA - can you be my guide?

Know any great bars? Vintage shops? cafes? Beaches? Galleries? I would be grateful for any recommendations from those in the know!!

Much love

Nicki xx

(image weheartit)

Gosh this made me smile. How times have changed?

Please find below extracts from an ACTUAL article in Good housekeeping from 1955. I picked out the best of a breathtaking brunch....

* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready - on time for your husbands return. This is a way of letting him know you've been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.

* Be a little gay and a bit more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

* At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum.

* Listen to him, let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

* Arrange his pillow, and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

(and this is my absolute favourite.....)

* In cooler months you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest - after all - catering for his comfort will provide you with immense, personal satisfaction.

What do ya reckon to that then?

xx

Top 10 Tuesdays

I have made no secret of being a fan of Lady Gaga's eccentric 80's glam attire - I admit she pushes fashion onto the verge of ridiculous, but it makes me smile and the 1980's have dominated the catwalk for quite some time now.

As a child of the 80's - I dedicate Today's Top 10 to this decade - love it or loathe it - you decide!

'Drunk at Vogue' Vintage dress The Cherry Closet / BadGal lash Mascara in Blue Benefit / Vintage 80's Karl Lagerfeld Chain ASOS / Little Miss Metallic vintage blouse The Cherry Closet / Reach for the Sky square Aviators The Cherry Closet / Disco animal bangles Accessorize / Strut your stuff vintage stilettos The Cherry Closet / Gold pleated envelope clutch Accessorize / Rubiks Cube Pepper grinder Urban Outfitters / Power is a pink vintage suit The Cherry Closet .

'It was acceptable in the 80's. It was acceptable at the time.' Yes Calvin, it really was!

xx

Hairstyle Wishlist

For impending Birthday yours truly is having a MAJOR hair restyle.

This both excites me and overwhelms me.

Tell me, why is it hair has such power over us ladies?

I stupidly cut all my dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards long hair last year after a bout in hospital and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

10 months later and it has barely grown AT ALL - and spends most of its time sat like an unwelcome crushed croissant on top of my head, pinned up in case of an emergency on windy days.

So.... am in process of compiling an embarrassingly over the top 'dream hair' wish list / mood board / look book.

You ever get in a tizz pre hair appointment?! (please say yes - if only to make me feel better?!!)

xx

(images:weheartit)

An honest Award

I must also say a big Thank you to the lovely Aubrey from Made You Blush who gave me this award:



These Da Rules:

I must share 10 true things about myself...
Pass along to 10 other bloggers...
Notify recipients awarding to...
And they link back to you when accepted. So here goes!

1. I'm impatient. Really really impatient.
2. When I can't sleep I imagine in my head having my own chat show and asking celebrities questions.
3. Pink roses are my favourite flowers.
4. I'm way too hard on myself.
5. I have never fallen in love so fast with someone as I have now
6. I once thought I saw a ghost in a pub. twice. but no one believed me as I was a tad drunk.
7. I love baths by candlelight.
8. My nicknames have included: goldmember, niknak and McWee (don't ask)
9. I'm going to be an Auntie for the first time in November!
10. I'm a virgo. A typical one.

I pass this award onto:

Confessions of an undiscovered star / glitter&rhinestones / sweet and low / pretty little world / me melodia / lovely little things / Dilly Dallas / Kosmopolight / A little house in the clouds / Penny's thoughts.

Enjoy peeps! xx

Fashion in Film

I watched Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' at the weekend.

Amidst the killing and Tarantino's usual killer dialogue was some pretty striking fashion too.

Yes, I know I'm a total girl, but I just adore the 1940's look. xxx

May I introduce - My Virtual Vintage Boutique THE CHERRY CLOSET

Dear lovely bloggers,

May I present to you my Vintage Boutique www.thecherrycloset.com - for Clothes with Character - which let you be one too!

The Cherry Closet offers a hand selected array of vintage and retro clothing, bags, shoes, hats and accessories. Dating back as early as the 1930’s, all our items are sourced with love and cherry picked for their unique style, wearability and general gorgeousness.

Its aim?

To offer style savvy ladies a varied selection of affordable vintage, whether you want to create an individual look, rock out at a fancy dress do, or like me, just generally adore vintage and don’t need an excuse to fill my closet with it!

so if you get a chance, please pop by and sneak a peek.

Lotsa cherry love

xx

'Twas a Safari on Sunday

My other half surprised me with a trip to Longleat Safari Park on Sunday.

'Twas amazing!!!

Things I learnt:

* Deer are happy to eat your clothing.

* Tigers are very intimidating when they come up to your car window. But very beautiful too.

* I don't like being in a room with bats that can fly AT YOUR HEAD. (Don't you try telling me not to scream Mr Park Ranger.)

* A pack of wolves are really rather hypnotic.

* Meerkats are sooooo cute.

* That the resident 98 year old Silver back gorilla has a plasma TV - courtesy of Sky television!And his fave show is Spongebob Squarepants.

xxx

The CHERRY CLOSET launch party. opens NEXT WEEK!!!!

Vintage spilled out of our very souls last night at the exclusive launch of our brand spanking new Virtual Vintage Clothing boutique 'The Cherry Closet'.

My nearest and dearest gathered alongside models and make up artists to celebrate this new venture with pink champagne, cherry cupcakes and a record player blasting out Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Blondie.

Not to mention a surprise logo cake so amazing it could make you dizzy!

Thanks to all who attended, be it new customers, my photographer and my loved ones.

* Will announce when the boutique goes live this week peeps!

much vintage love

x

The simple things in life

Sometimes it's the simplest things in life that make me smile.

Padded coat hangers. my boyfriend whistling in the shower. my cat walking on my keyboard when I work. the smell of marker pens. hearing rain outside when you're tucked up in bed. the smell of coffee. new notebooks, yet to be written in. clouds shaped like funny animals. freshly washed bedsheets. vanilla milkshakes.

xx

(images: yum sugar / flickr)

Getting the Monday Munchies....

I love Fashion styling Photography - but food styling is another matter altogether.

This styling by Victoria Granof has me positively drooling with her divine textures, tones and tastebud envy!!

see more here.

xx

Images: art-dept

Pick a Power

Did anyone ever ask you if you could have ONE superhero power, what it would be?

Discussing this particular query with other half last week.

I was torn.

Ah - to fly - what an amazing power. See the world, and get there fast. Free as a bird.

Oh but - to be able to talk any foreign language, how cool, how mind opening, How social!?

But then....and this was a real temptation for me, the ability to travel through time. To see history unfold. To learn so much. To experience what we only read about.

Oh it's tough.

What would you choose?

xx

(images:weheartit)

Top 10 Tuesdays

Boyfriend said the magic words....

No, not 'I love you ', that's old news....

He said we (meaning 'I') could re-decorate his (meaning 'our') flat to make it girl friendly enough for me to move in eventually (meaning 'soon')

Woo Hoo!

And so begins the brainstorm collages of dreamy bedrooms, lush bathrooms and a kitchen that I might actually learn to cook in.

For Today's Top 10 I begin with the Boudoir.... (click to enlarge)

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Wallpaper selection totallyhome / Turbine Wall clock Habitat / Hamburger phone Urban Outfitters / Pink MIA cushion Laura Ashley / Gilt Versailles metal lamp Graham and Green / Artificial Allium in Glass Vase M&S / Lily-Flame Candle in a Tin, Coffee Galore John Lewis / French-style Provencale carver chair Laura Ashley / Trinket Box Monsoon / Antiqued Wooden Sign.....You Are My Sunshine Rocket St George

It's a start

xx