back soon ...

hi everyone!!!

apologies for the major lack of posts recently. Have just moved to Columbus Ohio, America, where within the space of a month I have moved twice, packed and unpacked my life twice, started a new job, rented an apartment and bought a car ... a bit stressful. However i am planning to be back blogging any day now ... :)

America here i come ...

Right, so in 2 (& a bit) days i will moving to the USA, to start my new career in Design at Abercrombie & Fitch. Madness! Heres a few images i love inspired by my move ...

Images:

1. You should have loved me
2. Stolen Inspiration
3. We heart it
4. We heart it
5. Spell & the gypsy collective
6. We heart it
7. We heart it
8. Spell & the gypsy collective
9. Spell & the gypsy collective

Lanzarote ... food and all

The Perfect Host ... described by Littlewoods

The Perfect Host

We’ve all done it, haven’t we? Hosted a dinner party. Invited a group of friends around for an evening of wining and dining and cordial banter. To do it well requires thought and effort, and a willingness to challenge ourselves – not only in the kitchen with our culinary skills, but also with our hosting abilities. We need to be able to introduce strangers in the hope that they become friends, or know when to lead the conversation in order to keep things interesting. All the while making sure that everyone has everything they need, be it a full glass or a certain type of coffee sweetener.

A banquet fit for a king

After a considerable amount of planning, the day has finally arrived. In a few hours your guests will start to arrive. You’ve really pushed the boat out this time, and whilst a lot of the food preparation has been done already, there’s still some cooking to do after the guests arrive.

You are confident that the numerous courses you’re serving will amaze your friends, and you’re expecting many of them to announce that they didn’t think you had it in you. They’ll no doubt pester you for the recipes on their way out the door later.

The table is laid and looks fabulous – glasses, cutlery and crockery all sparkling like diamonds in the light. Your subtle floral centrepiece, duo of candlesticks and folded napkins, add colour and class.

An aperitif or two later, your cheery guests take their seats and await your first mouth-watering creation. Compliments come from every mouth – and that’s just on its appearance. Then, after a warm toast, they tuck in.

Clearing up the easy way

You’ve surpassed yourself. Everyone says so. Napkins are thrown down in capitulation, chairs are slid back, and stomachs are lovingly caressed as your guests express their admiration of your menu. You beam, and tell them it was nothing.

The kitchen looks like a war zone, but not for long. With the help of one or two friends, the plates and serving dishes, knives, forks and spoons, cups, saucers and glasses are all piled into your Littlewoods Indesit dishwasher. You switch it on and it quietly goes about its business. A large pot or two has to be done the old-fashioned way in the sink, but that’s okay. In no time at all, everything is cleared away, and you’re back with the group – the host with the most.

Banana & Walnut cake/cupcakes

Shopping online - another perspective

Top Tips to Save Money Shopping Online

In these troubling economic times, it is no secret that most people are exceedingly concerned with saving money whenever possible. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by shopping for products online using a credit card. Not only are there more choices, but the benefits associated with internet purchases cannot be overlooked. With a few simple tips, one can take advantage of this opportunity.

The Advantage of Choice

One of the best ways to save money while shopping online is by browsing many different retail sites. Unlike a single store or chain of stores where the prices are fixed, the internet offers substantial discounts. This is partly due to the fact that there are no middlemen involved in the distribution of goods and partly because with such low overhead, many virtual stores can offer products well below what one would expect to normally pay. The more one searches, the more likely he or she is to find a great deal. Searching takes seconds and does not cost a penny. Compare this to driving all over town only to find out that the money spent on gasoline has outweighed the discount received!

The Benefits of Social Networking Sites

Many stores and brand names now have their products and services listed on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. While some shoppers are unaware of these listings, the advantages cannot be understated. Quite often there will be rebates or online coupons which offer exclusive deals to the shopper who happens to know of their presence. Also, it is important to remember that such deals will most likely not be listed in any newsletters or physical advertisements.

Online Mass Retailers

Sites such as eBay and Amazon have become essential in the bargain-hunters portfolio. Not only are the discounts on these sites substantial, but with the ease and security of paying via a credit card as well as guaranteed shipping, little is left to guesswork. Finally, these sites deal in bigger brand names as well as in niche items, both of which can be purchased at a considerably discounted price.

To be fair, times are difficult. Currently Canada’s average inflation rate is approximately two percent. Simply stated, the Canadian dollar is worth two percent less. Each and every individual needs to discover ways to save money whenever possible. There are many credit cards in Canada that can help you do this effectively through promotions and cards specifically suited to your lifestyle.

LOOKBOOK (favourites of the week) - 24/07/12

University of Leeds Graduate Fashion Show 2012 - Reveal

Just back from the British Grand prix formula one weekend. A few posts to catch up on really, so here is my 1st. these are a collection of photos of my graduate fashion show 'back stage'. it ended up being so much fun, with everyone feeling really proud!! heres a sneaky peek ...

all images taken by myself

LOOKBOOK (favourites of the week) - 27/06/12

Littlewoods - Lacoste

Make a Racquet this Summer! This summer sees a packed sports calendar with the Olympics, the European Football Championships and Wimbledon all taking centre stage. For those tennis fans whose appetite has been whetted by the recent French Open, what better way to celebrate the summer than by throwing a Wimbledon-themed party? The men and women’s finals are being held over the weekend of the 7th and 8th of July which is the perfect time to throw a fashion, food and games party for your friends and family. Dress code At Wimbledon, tennis and fashion have always gone hand-in-hand. Players have long attracted as much attention for their outfits as for their backhands so why not get into the swing of things and invite your guests to come along wearing on-court inspired outfits. Sporty Lacoste is one of the most iconic clothing labels in the world and offers a huge range that will have you covered from head to toe, from caps and shorts to trainers and fragrances. Remember to keep it subtle – white, green and purple are the tournaments trademark colours.

Click here for Link Food and drink Nothing says Wimbledon like Pimms with lemonade and strawberries with cream so make sure you stock up. A BBQ will keep the Dads busy in between sets so think marinated chicken drumsticks and homemade hamburgers. If you have any bunting and Union Jack plates and cups left over from the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations then these will come in handy too. Games and activities If the British weather decides to behave itself then providing some outdoor games will add another dimension to your party. For most if us, throwing our own tennis tournament probably isn’t an option (unless you’re Elton John) but a table tennis championship would work just as well and probably be more fun! If you can’t get hold of a table tennis table then why not ask Mum and Dad to dig out the Swing Ball from the garden shed? It’s guaranteed to keep guests of all ages entertained, but be warned – this game is extremely addictive and gets very competitive. If rain does stop play then simply grab the kid’s Wii game console. There are some great tennis games on the Wii (complete with mini plastic tennis racquets) and you’ll also get a great workout!

Click here for Link

GFW 2012

Finally reached the end of my 4 year degree, therefore reaching my own GFW!! such an exciting experience ... here's some images of the Leeds stand and some around the rest of Earls Court ...

all images my own