What we did in the Summer Holidays…

September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 | blueskygirlie

So the summer holidays are over.

Reuben started back at school last Wednesday and now we are all back in the busy routine of school runs, working days, clubs and play.

I have to say I have genuinely enjoyed the last 6 weeks. Although a struggle at times to manage childcare while working in marketing part-time and running an online vintage shop, the more laid-back vibe and opportunities to do new things together has been wonderful.

I, like many, dont have tons of spare cash to throw around so the summer holidays are always a mix of days out and either free activities or time at home. So in todays blog I thought I’d share some of the things we got up to big and small… hopefully making memories that will last for years to come.

Bletchley Park

This hidden gem on the outskirts of Milton Keynes is a great place to really experience the lives of the WW2 codebreakers (led by Alan Turing – who you may of seen immortalised in the Benedict Cumberbatch film The Imitation Game). Theres lots of information, exhibits and a replica of the Bombe, one of the first computers as well as an original German Enigma machine. The grounds and house are lovely with plenty of spots for picnics and fun, plus theres a cafe and restaurant too. A great historical visit that has something to interest everyone.

The National Museum of Computing

Next to Bletchley Park is the museum of computing and with two computer/gaming crazed 9 years olds we couldnt not visit! The museum holds all types of computing devices and the boys marvelled at the huge old computers from the 1960s as well as interacting with robots, retro consoles and even some virtual reality. There were lots of passionate helpers on hand to explain things and were very patient with our children helping them program, play and generally interact with the exhibits.

Cinema – Finding Dory

OK, its kinda a no-brainer but the cinema was a great day out for all of us and we made sure to fit in some ice cream afterwards! Finding Dory was a great film that all our children enjoyed (with the age difference this can be hard) and had a beautiful message.

Roald Dahl Museum

What a delight this place is. Small but perfectly formed, it is located in Buckinghamshire where Dahl lived and shares his childhood, all his wonderful work, insights on his process (he ate 3/4 bars of chocolate a day, wrote during strict working sessions and never cleaned his writing hut) and his ongoing legacy. Theres lots of interactive displays, memorabilia, storytelling and talks and a lovely little tea room if you fancy a slice of cake. It is great for school aged children as they are already familar with much of his writing and all visitors are given a cute pad and pencil to write down their ideas just as Dahl did.

The Science Museum

I’d not been to the Science Museum since I was a child and I was pleasantly surprised to see it had changed alot since then. Its free to get in, theres lots to see and do and kids eat free in the restaurant when you order and adult meal. However for all the REALLY cool stuff you do have to pay – the IMAX cinema, 4D experiences and flight simulators add up £ wise, but make for a cool techy day out…and if you travel by train you can get 2for1 vouchers which bought the cost down a lot. Great for inquisitive minds, young and old, and don’t get me started on the amazing gift shop…

Theme Parks

We are a thrill-seeking family so summer wouldnt be summer without a trip to a theme park. We visited both Alton Towers and Thorpe Park this summer and had a blast! Look for 2for1 vouchers and online codes to make it more affordable and think about bringing a picnic lunch. We usually purchase the refillable drinks bottles too and refill throughout the day via the Hydration Stations. Now our 9yr old’s are taller we have a lot more rides to go on so keeping hydrated is important!

Swimming

The pool, the garden, who cares?!? If its hot get wet! Our local pool does lots of kid friendly swim sessions and we bought a bigger paddling pool last year and I was determined we would get good use out of it! Again quick and easy, but very fun.

Trampoline Park

This was a new experience for us as a family and boy it was fun! Be warned though it is EXHAUSTING! Our local trampoline park has a ‘Total Wipeout’ machine, dodgeball and basketball areas and lots of high points to jump off of! We will definitely be visiting again.

Frappincino Dates

A simple quick thing to do but it feels special. I love having a Starbucks ‘date’ with my 9 year old and it makes him feel very grown up. He knows its a treat (those drinks are yummy but calorific) and we get some sweet one on one time.

Days at the Seaside

Living in Kent we have quite the pick of the seaside towns. Margate, Whitstable, Broadstairs and Herne Bay are all great to visit and filled with everything you would expect. We walked the pier, played in the amusements (2p machines a speciality), ate chips and swam in the sea. Just perfect.

And of course there were plenty of quieter days at home. This year I made sure our boys didn’t expect to do something everyday and they made use of the many toys and books they have as well as visiting our local play park and spending time with other family members. All in all I think we found a good balance.

Find more photos via my Instagram – follow all the photographic fun and games here.

Meeting La Redoute

August 22, 2016August 30, 2016 | blueskygirlie

So I have fallen in love….

La Redoute is a French mail order company with a catalogue (an actual printed one you can flick through!) and a huge online shop selling womens, mens, kidswear and home. It is super stylish as you would expect from the French but also very reasonably priced! I placed my first order this month from their Summer sale and I have become utterly obsessed.

Have a look at my first 5 buys…

1 – ‘Soft Grey’ gingham ruffle shirt

Fitted with a western vibe, I am sold on this cute top. Perfect with skinny jeans and a ‘yee-ha’ attitude…

2 – ‘Mademoiselle M’ lace blouse

Very feminine with lovely lace detailing this top looks so much more expensive than it was…for modesty you do need a cami underneath though!

3 – ‘Soft Grey’ tie waist midi skirt

I’d been looking for a midi denim skirt for a while and this was perfect…and I do love a skirt or dress with pockets!

4 – Soft Grey’ high neck blouse

Inspired by blogger Erica Davis from the un-edited (again) I had to order this. Come Autumn I will be wearing this with EVERYTHING in fact I am already!

5 – ‘Soft Grey’ embroidered peasant top

Want a throw on summer top? This is perfect…and the embroidery and detailing are top notch…

And best of all, all these items were less than £15 each!

Other things I loved – you can order everything ‘click and collect’ to your local Hermes parcelshop so delivery is free and returns are free too. This is great when you’re still getting used to the sizing and want to order 2 sizes to compare. They have lots of customer promo code offers for full priced items – usually 20/25% but sometimes have a 40% off code so keep your eyes peeled – its worth signing up to their newsletter to keep in the loop. I have only bought in the sale but can’t wait for the new season offers.

Their home range is AMAZING! So far I’ve bought the most stunning rug. I blogged about it here and am coveting quite a few other pieces for when we decorate our lounge. The quality and design is some of the best I’ve seen in a non-premium range.

Things I didn’t love – I think you could say that La Redoute customer service is hit and miss. I had a parcel go missing (which finally got found), email confirmations werent always sent and delivery can take 7-10 days. However it is worth putting up with the less than slick operation as the clothes are wonderful quality and feel so different from the usual High St offering.

I’ve just placed another large order so look out for more items coming soon…

All items via LaRedoute.co.uk

MY STYLE: The Kitchen/Diner

August 12, 2016August 30, 2016 | blueskygirlie

My fiancé and I are currently in the process of doing up our home but one area that is done is the kitchen/diner. Whenever I share images of it on Instagram it always gets a great reaction and in todays blog I show some of the styling in more detail.

The Diner:

Two rooms have been knocked through and the diner part of the kitchen is all about curves. An original 1960’s Arkana tulip table and chair set takes pride of place (I had the seat pads reupholstered into a more child friendly brown vinyl) and a curved statement lamp provides focused light with inset ceiling spotlights providing the general room lighting. Many of my favourite posessions sit in this space together including a lot of pieces by the designer Piero Fornasetti which I collect…Table & chairs / eBay, Side table / eBay, Lamp / Marks & Spencer, Gazelle head / Marks & SpencerLarge artwork & frame / IKEA, Black & white canvas artwork / Primark Home, Vintage robots / eBayFornasetti upholstered chair / eBay, Fornasetti cushion / eBay, Black & white cushion / Primark HomeVintage vases & bowls / eBayFornasetti ‘Themes and Variations’ plates / Selfridges, Liberty, eBaySet of drawers / Matalan, Balloon dog / The Range, ‘Endless Style’ trinket box / Wilkinsons

The Kitchen:

Looking back from the diner into the kitchen the main focal point is our orange Smeg fridge/freezer. This is a strong design statement but luckily the kitchen itself is all simple white gloss with no visible handles which the previous owner had installed and I, miraculously, liked! (the worktops, like the cupboards, were here when we moved in and not my ideal worktop choice but until I can afford granite they will have to stay…)Fridge / Smeg, Toaster / Dualit, Kitchen roll holder / Alessi, Canvas art / WilkinsonsDish rack / House of FraserStorage jars / Alessi, Spoon rest / IKEA, Utensil pot / Homebase, Utensils / Dunelm Mill, TK Maxx, SainburysJuicer / Alessi, Salt Mill / Matalan, Pepper Mill / SainburysHello sign / Primark

We are working through the house one room at a time but this area is one that I just love to be in. And the next area of attack? We have the finishing touches to add to the master bedroom and then a big project – to create a utility room, cloakroom and study in a space that is currently derelict!!! Watch this space…

Find my previous blog on what we did to the hall, stairs and landing here.

Show and Tell: Soap & Glory body and bath

July 30, 2016July 30, 2016 | blueskygirlie

I think its fair to say I am a big fan of Soap & Glory. I use their skincare, make-up and even wear their perfume! I am most dedicated to their body and bath ranges and in todays blog I show what I use day to day and tell you why, to try get you into the S&G cult too!

Body Wash – Clean on Me £6.50/500ml

Shower gel is something you use every day and although this is more expensive than your average product it is in a large 500ml pump action bottle that lasts ages. It is super thick and creamy, lathers up beautifully and leaves a lovely sweet but fresh smell.

Face Wash – Peaches and Clean £8.00/350ml

Regular readers to this blog know I follow quite a strict beauty routine. I never use soap or shower gel on my face as it is drying (and therefore aging) to the skin. I switch to a squirt of this 3 in 1 product and make sure my skin is both clean and mosturised. I use this in the morning rather than the evening and it acts as a skin detox which helps to purify and clarify for a smooth, luminous complexion.

Scrub – The Scrub of your life £7.00/200ml, Flake Away £8.00/300ml

OK, you’re clean but are you smooth? I use a scrub probably every 2/3 days. Scrub of your Life is a gentler scrub that you can use on your face for exfoliation (and on your body too if you want) and Flake Away is great for tougher skin areas – legs, arms etc. – definitely dont let that near your face! Both products work brilliantly though, removing any rough skin and making you feel smooth like a baby!

Body Milk – Smoothie Star £10.00/500ml

The smell of this is so delicious you will feel like a beautiful walking milkshake afterwards! Use wise, body milk is a lighter alternative to body creams, is absorbed easily, leaves no greasy residue and works great after a shower.

Body Butter – The Righteous Butter £10.00/300ml

If youve ever heard anything about Soap & Glory its probably the body butter youve heard of. The Righteous Butter is the brands hero product and carries its signature scent. It comes in a large pot and is thick and luxurious. Again although not cheap it lasts ages and really moisturises well.

Hand wash and lotion – Wash Hands £5.00/250ml, Hand Food £7.00/250ml

I dont just keep my Soap & Glory products in the bathroom…I have them in the kitchen too! Your hands need as much care as the rest of your body and I love this double dispenser for day to day use.

They sell the holder as a gift every Christmas and then when each hand product runs out they can be replaced from the normal range.

I also love their make-up, skincare and perfume and would definitely recommend trying a few items out – but I’ll leave that for another blog!

To buy Soap & Glory products in the UK visit Boots – find the full range here. Look out for 3 for 2 offers and free gift promotions and soon you’ll become as much of a loyal follower as I am!

Whats your favourite Soap & Glory product? I’d love to know…

Still Running

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016 | blueskygirlie

Someone asked me the other day how I motivate myself to keep running. They wanted to run, in fact they could run a 5k OK, but they couldn’t motivate themselves to do it regularly so it wasnt having any effect.

It got me thinking – how have I bucked the trend and run 3 times a week every week for the last 2 years come rain or shine and havent given up?

Well firstly its definitely not due to any physical prowess! Let me be clear – I still find running hard – I’m tired at the end and I definitely dont look forward to it. But the thing I’m best at is never missing a run, so these are my 5 tips for not just starting running, but keeping running…

1) Treat it like a commitment you cant get out of – when you get up for work in the morning not going in isn’t an option you consider even if you’d rather stay in bed. I treat running the same way. I have ‘running days’ that fit around my work and childcare schedule and think of them as an appointment in the day that is non-negotiable. This change in how I think about them makes them a ‘have to’ rather than a ‘might do’.

2) Provide yourself with tools that make it easier – buy yourself some bits of clothing that mean youre not reliant on good weather. Any gaps for excuses is dangerous. A hat, snood and gloves for winter and sunglasses, vest and water bottle for summer. We can all make excuses to get out of doing things but dont give yourself the option. Carry an ipod or phone with you and listen to music or an audiobook – if you can find ways to make yourself feel more comfortable within the act of actually running it wont seem so hard.

3) Get to know your body – your body is a machine and you need to treat it as such. Know when you’ll be running and make sure you eat a decent meal beforehand. Dont leave it too late though, everyone is different but I would suggest a gap of least 2 hours so you dont feel like youre going to see your food again! Stay hydrated too and then take some water with you particularly in the summer and you will find running so much easier. If youre a woman don’t push yourself too hard at certain times of the month – a slow steady run is still a run. And finally a small thing but its mega important, ALWAYS make sure you use the loo before you leave 🙈.

4) Revel in your acheivements and be proud! Hey, youve done something amazing. Realise that. It shocks me how many people do no exercise at all – I used to be one of them. Share your run on social media – you might get the odd sarky comment but you know what? People that do that are just jealous (and usually doing no exercise themselves) and on the whole I find friends very supportive. Join a running community online or find followers via Strava – kudos from others can be a powerful tool. And if all else fails treat yourself to a favourite dessert or treat with dinner that night…after all the more you run the more you can eat!!!

5) Push yourself and acheive some ‘bucket list’ goals – when I started running just the idea of running a 5k without stopping was my only goal but as I’ve gone on (and its got easier) my goals have become bigger. Trying to get better times, running with others and recently doing my first organised run – a daunting concept for me – a charity Colour Run where we got pelted with paint powder as we ran. That had been on my bucket list so I was very proud…plus I got my first running medal!

Dont wait for January with the New Years resolutions losers, or during a short-lived health kick, or even wait till Monday, start now. And then, most importantly, DO. NOT. STOP.

All images via my Instragram – follow me here.

Visiting Budapest

May 27, 2016May 27, 2016 | blueskygirlie

Over Easter myself and my boyfriend travelled to Hungary for a 4 day city break. We had not been there before and were bowled over by the city.

So what to do when youve got time on your hands, no kids, a centrally located hotel room and some holiday cash?

Well firstly Hungary is not an expensive country! Food and drink is cheap and many of the attractions were free (or only a few pounds). We arrived with Euros but quickly changed them to HUT as paying in Euros works out very expensive (plus a lot of places wont take them). Be ready to feel like youre spending loads though as 1000HUT is worth about £2.50!

My top things to do…

Cruise the River Danube – the river splits Buda and Pest and is breathtaking. Take a romantic stroll or a riverboat cruise. We did both – a cruise works out about £15 a person and really lets you see the city along with learning the history too. We loved it!

Top Tip – book your cruise ahead at one of the tourist information points instead of being hassled at the waterside by the many different reps who may try and overcharge you.

artwork on the river bank remembering jews killed during the war. Budapest suffered terribly during WW2

Be in awe of the architecture – Budapest is a visually stunning city. Out of all the amazing buildings the Parliament buildings are iconic and usually what you see on postcards etc.

Top Tip -it is a working building with armed guards to the front as well as sculptures and fountains but it looks best viewed from the water.

that building youve seen in all the photos…

Get sporty on St Margarets Island – Ok, we are a bit annoying as we are both regular runners and like to do a 5k in cities that we visit…its a bucket list kinda thing. I know, I would hate us too if I didnt think we were awesome! St Marys Island is a car-free purpose built island in the middle of the Danube for sports and leisure. You can bike around it, canoe around it, play sports, visit the petting zoo or like us run round the 5k running track. It was full of locals when we were there and Budapest seems a very healthy city generally.

Top Tip – if you have room in your case pack some sports clothes – whether its a run, the hotel gym or finding somewhere to swim, its great to have the option to exercise available.

Get steamy at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths – A bit further out of the city (we had to take a short bus ride) is probably one of my favourite things I have ever done. A huge purpose built stunning building thats over 100 years old – you can swim in the thermal springs, get a massage, enjoy hydrotheraphy, sauna or just chill out on sun loungers.

Top Tip – book a cabin for a private changing room experience and pay to put your valuables in their safe boxes for extra peace of mind.

taking a dip in the thermally heated water

Ride the Castle Hill Funicular – so everyone wants to pretend theyre in a Wes Anderson movie dont they? This just sums up the whimsical charm of Budapest. The views as you go up and down are stunning too…

Top Tip – at the top discover the Hungarian National Art Gallery and see the changing of the guards outside the Presidents house

Explore the unique Buda –

Budapest really is a tale of two cities. The old town on the Buda side is unlike any place I’ve visited – very medieval feeling, quaint and unusual. It gets busy with tourists but we loved it.

Top Tip – if you visit St Mathius’ church book the cheaper bell tower tour rather than the full church tour – the climb will tire you out but the views are great.

pretending I’m a princess outside my castle at fishermans bastion

Visit St Stephens Basicila Cathredral – this is one of THE landmarks of the city and the ornate interior has to be seen to be believed. Entrance is by donation but spend a bit more and climb the 363 spiral steps to the dome balcony – the views are fabulous and theres even an art gallery on a hidden level!

Top Top – Afterwards, chill out on St Stephens Square where there are lots of pavement cafes and bars…

Ride on the trams – public transport in Budapest is cheap and relatively easy to use – we travelled on a bus and metro transfer from the airport (for about £4.00 each) and then used the metro and trams when things were a little too far to get to on foot.

Top Tip – the older yellow trams on the Pest side are adorable and you feel like youre in a 1950’s movie riding them. Buy a daily travelcard and enjoy!

the cutest public transport Ive experienced so far

Buy a rose shaped ice cream delight – there are lots of great food in Budapest but my favourite of the trip? It had to be these beautiful handmade rose ice creams made from 3 flavours of ice cream from Gelarto Rosa.

Top Tip – avoid the queues of the main shop which is nearest St Stephens Square by heading further down the street where you will find a second branch!

Dress up and eat out – when on holiday it has to be done! I’ll be honest, as a fussy eater I struggled with the hearty Hungarian food – however for lunch Goulash in a bread bowl made an interesting change and theres plenty to choose from. Food and drink is very reasonably priced with a 2 course meal with alcohol for 2 in a good restaurant easily managable on a budget of £50.

Top Tip – a 12.5% service charge is always included in the final bill in Hungary so dont add anything else on.

dress by boohoo boutique, attitude by me

Leave a Love Lock – this has become something of a traditional for us. After a romantic break its lovely to think they’ll be a part of you left there after you leave – last year we left one in Copenhagen at the spot where my boyfriend proposed to me. In Budapest they have metal ‘trees’ created for this purpose in Eserbet Tér (a large park in the centre of the city) so you know youre not vandalising anything or they’ll just be cut off a month later!

Top Tip – plan ahead and make one before you go using a cheap brass padlock. My boyfriend engraved it himself creating a lovely personal touch.

Budapest is a definitely ‘recommend’ from me! We flew to Budapest via Ryan Air from Stansted and stayed at the President Hotel in the centre of the city. Flights start from around £60 each way.

My vintage buy of the week

May 21, 2016 | blueskygirlie

Welcome to another of my new semi regular blogs! As you may know I run a business on Etsy selling vintage items and often end up keeping things I fall in love with

In these blogs I will share what I’ve bought and why (hopefully) it was a good buy!

Todays buy may be small but it holds its own! A minature 1960’s blown glass vase it was the perfect colour to add to a grouping of glass I’ve been adding to in our lounge. Isn’t it cute?

Highly collectable and growing in value its a great little buy. Plus I ADORE retro glass!

And here it is in its new home…

1960’s mini vase via RSPCA charity shop

What bargains have you found recently in the world of charity and vintage shops? I would love to know…

To shop my Etsy Shop click here

To shop my eBay shop (where vintage clothing ends up) shop here

To follow my Instagram (where most of my buys get shared first) follow me here

Look out more more vintage buys in coming weeks…

Sightseeing in Budapest

April 19, 2016April 19, 2016 | blueskygirlie

Over the Easter break I took a wonderful 4 day trip to Budapest in Hungary.

It is an absolutely beautiful city and I couldn’t resist doing an ‘outfit of the day’ in such a stunning location – it certainly beats my kitchen/diner where I usually shoot my outfit posts!

The look…

I saw this cream tasseled jacket in the Primark Tottenham Court Road store and instantly fell in love with it. Priced at £20 it looks much more expensive than that. Size-wise I went for the UK12 as the 10 was a little tight across the shoulders on me. I love the tasseled 3/4 length sleeves and bib detail front and its a lightweight cotton thats perfect for hotter days.

I added a pair of trusty New Look ‘super skinny’ jeans and my look was complete. I love NL denim and these jeans are tight all over (hence the super skinny fit name because I’m definitely not!) yet highwaisted and very stretchy so quite flattering.

The details…

I added a pair of Primark tortoiseshell effect sunglasses (£3) and denim pumps (£4), along with a trusty GAP white tee underneath. The denim pumps elongate the look, meaning your eye is drawn just to the hero piece – that fabulous Primark jacket.

The jacket and pumps are both in store now – be quick though as Primark stock moves very quickly. I just love this look and know I will wear it quite a bit this Summer.

Now I just need to get back on holiday…

Credits
Jacket – Primark
T-shirt – GAP
Jeans – New Look
Sunglasses – Primark
Denim pumps – Primark

Alice in Wonderland at the British Library

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 | blueskygirlie

One of my favourite books in the world is Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll. In fact not just the book – I love the ideas, the illustrations, the history and the endless versions of it that have been created. When I heard the British Library were having an exhibition dedicated to it I just had to go.

From the British Library website:
“Happy Birthday Alice! To celebrate 150 years of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this exhibition explores how Alice has captured our imaginations for so many years. Although the story has been adapted, appropriated, re-imagined and re-illustrated since its conception, we are still enchanted by Carroll’s original, much loved story, which continues to inspire new generations of writers and illustrators.

Come and see Lewis Carroll’s original manuscript with hand-drawn illustrations, alongside stunning editions by Mervyn Peake, Ralph Steadman, Leonard Weisgard, Arthur Rackham, Salvador Dali and others.
Discover how Lewis Carroll’s story has been re-imagined, re-interpreted and re-illustrated over the last 150 years with newly commissioned articles, a selection of manuscripts, reviews and literature relating to Alice in Wonderland”.

You start by taking a journey through a pop up of mirrors and maze walls all peppered with Alice in Wonderland quotes and various illustration from books across the 150 years of its publication.

You then enter the exhibition itself which showcases everything from the first edition, details and photos of the original Alice; Alice Liddell, examples of all the different illustrations that have been done over the last 100+ years, plus original art, vintage toys and of course, the ‘Disneyfied’ Alice and her merchandise.

My favourite thing had to be the original diary and then handmade book (complete with hand drawn illustrations) by Charles Dodgson (the real name of Lewis Carroll) that he made Alice as a present after that afternoon of storytelling…for a fan like me it was just breaktaking to see it.

Plus there’s a fab pop up Alice in Wonderland shop with lots of fabulous quirky items.

Its definitely worth a visit whether you are a fan or not and its wonderful that it is free for the nation to enjoy. Thank goodness for the patrons of the arts whose donations make this sort of thing possible.

The exhibition is in the library foyer, is free to get in to and runs until 17th April.

The British Library is at 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB – nearest Tube Kings Cross/St Pancras.