Dommie

Take Five Interview . Sugar Junction

 

Hi everyone ..... Cheryl here ..... co owner of Sugar Junction

Dommie asked me to answer her (take) five Interview questions
and I thought - yay !!!!! - what a super idea !!!!!

Here is a little about me and us and our tearoom .....

Sugar Junction was born through a love of all things vintage. 

As well as running our Beautiful Vintage Tearoom which is situated in the heart of the NQ Manchester we also run vintage inspired events inside and outside the Tearoom.

 

These include monthly sunday Gramophone sessions, where we invite our customers
to come and join us for afternoon tea whilst their ears are treated to the sweet sounds
of all their favourite vintage classic tunes.

 

We cater for weddings of all sizes,
where we can transform any venue with our Gorgeous vintage accessories, bunting, china and linen.

The afternoon tea of you choice will then be served to your guests by our lovely vintage ladies!
...... not enough?
we can even supply the evenings entertainment for you,
from our Burlesque performing friends to our very own pin up vinyl playing DJ.

Not getting married?
do not fret at Sugar Junction there is no need to have an excuse to treat yourself and friends
to some vintage glamour, you can book a table within our Tearooms or we can come to any venue of your choice even in the comfort of your own home !!

 

We set up, serve and the best part take everything away to allow you to enjoy your day
without even the stress of a china cup and saucer to wash!

 

Go on you're worth it!!

Other parties we cater for are Hen parties,
Baby showers, girly get together,
which can include afternoon tea and even a Burlesque lesson the list is truly endless.

 

Our Tearoom is always bursting at the seams with amazing teas (over 25)
home cooked tasty food and staff that are cheery,
will serve you with a smile every time with an extra special vintage twist.

 

Not to mention the cakes!!!!
oh the cakes, these are baked freshly in store every morning by sue
who learnt everything she knows from her Granny and Cheryl (Daughter of sue)
who in turn has learnt everything she knows from her mum. 

 

See - What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ? 

 We know its early but can you believe we had our first sight of snow this week
it got us thinking about all the yummy festive things we are going to bake
and all the fun stuff we have planned in the Tearoom.

Hear - Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

 At Sugar Junction we cant wait to switch over to our festive christmas playlist!!
yes its a tad early but we have been excited for months to be honest we just love CHRISTMAS.
We are especially looking forward to dancing around the Tearoom to the new SHE AND HIM album
titled A VERY SHE AND HIM CHRISTMAS.

This cute music duo consists of the beautiful Zooey Deschanel and M.Ward
the sound is very sweet with simple tunes with a soft vintage undertone....
you should check these guys out if you haven't already!

 

 

Taste - Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

This recipe is a must try its like a hug from the inside!

• 
  175 g butter
• 175 g sugar
• 3 medium eggs
• 175 g plain flour
• 3 pieces preserved stem ginger
• 2 tbsp stem ginger syrup
• 6 plums

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4. Butter and line a 23cm round cake tin.
2. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating each time.
Fold in the flour.
Grate the ginger into the mixture, and add the syrup.
3. Cut the plums in half and remove the stone.
Place the plums, skin side down into the cake tin, forming 2 rings.
Spoon the sponge mixture over, smoothing the top.
4. Place in the oven for 40-45 minutes until a skewer inserted, comes out cleanly. 
Allow to cool slightly, then turn out onto a plate.
Remove the lining paper.
Serve warm with whipped cream.

 

 

Smelll - What is your favourite smell this month ?

The smell of bonfire in the air, large gatherings of people all fighting for the heat from the fire
in the bitter cold, the smell of smoke and the ooohhhhss and the aaahhhh of each firework .....lovely!

 

Touch - What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?
 

Its that time of year where the air is crisp the mornings are dark and so are the evenings,
the last thing you want to do is go out.
Therefore it is that much more important that you have that little bit more luxury in your home
at this time. By luxury i mean the small things that make us feel a little more special.
I don't believe in saving things for best therefore this winter
i shall be snuggling up with my pink cashmere blanket,
drinking my favourite tea from a china cup and always brewed in a Teapot sporting a lovely tea cosy.

Dark nights are also perfect for lighting lots of tea lights....
why not use old teacups as holders they look beautiful when lit up.

Spoil yourself go on!!

 

Mother and Daughter are always on hand to talk through all your event needs so get in touch!

Sugar Junction Tearooms

60 Tib st

NQ

Manchester

M4 1LG

0161 8391444

you can also follow Sugar Junction on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr

 
www.sugarjunction.co.uk

 

Cheryl x

Take Five Interview . Dotcom Gift Shop

  

Craig Masson here, creative director here at dotcomgiftshop

Dommie asked me to be part of her collection of Take Five Interviews
and I was very happy to send through my answers to her questions ..... Here is my Interview .....

What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ?

The Brigton Pavillion - delicious excess!!

Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

Ha! i am still listening to the same cheesey music
I was dancing to in the 80's.

Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

It is scones and cream  teas all the way! 
My new squeeze is french and insists on enjoying this piece of English culture at any opportunity!
Clotted cream is mandatory! I'm getting huge!

What is your favourite smell this month ?

My Dog.....she smells lovely, even when wet!

What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

My house is full of mid-century modern,
while my office is full of bright summery fabrics and fun vintage inspired products,
all ready for summer 2012!

Best wishes

Craig x

Gathering Spriggs - Take Five Interview

 

 
With The UK bathed in sun
and just back from the seaside with the family yesterday
with a two year old being the beautiful catalyst for us oldies to splash about in the sea
and enjoy a nostalgic seaside ice cream filled day
SUCH FUN .....
what better time
than to sit here today
on my laptop - IN the sun - JOY
and add my Take Five Interview from Heather Spriggs Thompson
from Gathering Spriggs

Gathering Spriggs encapsulates ALL that is inspiring, desirable and treasured
in the world of interiors and the elevation of day to day objects into stunning admired forms

I love to dip into Gathering Spriggs throughout my week
as a barometer of style and uniqueness
and very often I find myself bathing in one particular post for Heather
that takes my breath away

I am delighted
1. to be sitting here in the sunshine sipping Green Tea - he he
and
2. MORE IMPORTANTLY - handing you over now to Heather and her lovely interview

dommie
 
Hi, My name is Heather Spriggs Thompson.
I am a work in progress.
Currently I maintain a daily inspiration blog called Gathering Spriggs www.heathersthompson.typepad.com
which is in transition as I prepare to launch an all new site in the next week or two. :)  

My focus is changing a bit, but I am excited and ready for change.
Overall, I am a Modern Romantic with a weakness for Vintage styling.
You can pop over to my vintage shop
www.gatheringvintage.etsy.com
to see more of my collections. 

Thanks so much for having me Dommie! 


 
 

1. What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ?

This incredibly styled photo shoot: 
http://www.enjoyeventscoblog.com/2011/04/ruffled-feature.html

 

 

2. Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

La Roux via Pandora

 

3. Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

Well, I am on a pretty restrictive diet right now for health purposes and am Gluten Free
(among other things) but just made these amazing GF muffins from my new favorite food blog:

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2011/04/gluten-free-pineapple-coconut-muffins.html

 

 

4. What is your favourite smell this month ?

Blossoming trees after a gentle rain

 

 

 

5. What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

Oh... so many that I need to clone myself to do them all.
Namely, repainting some vintage furniture pieces, stenciling a jute rug,
and tackling my sun porch with a good cleaning, paint and new furnishings. 

 

 

Heather Spriggs Thompson

Gathering Spriggs      Gathering Vintage

Vintage Scoops - Take Five Interview

 
Hang on a minute - turn the volume down on your computers .....

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek !!!!! how super LUSH is this ice cream van

I spotted Vintage Scoops online a few weeks ago
and it simply fueled my longing for a van/caravan ..... and now ice cream van

I contacted Hayley, hoping that she would like to be part of my fabby take five interview gang
and whoop whoop me ..... she said yes

Ice cream vans make us oldies smile I think
all that nostalgia and the simple delight of making that decision ..... hmmmmm which flavour today ?
( Vanilla every time )
and ah hum ..... a flake too !!!!!

I am going to leave you now with Hayley, happy owner of Vintage Scoops

Enjoy !!!!!

dommie

 

My Name is Hayley Southwood, mother to two lovely boys and wife to my lovely hubby Paul xx


What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ?

ooooh well I just adore the Spring,
the blossom on the trees is just beautiful
and the spring lambs leaping in the fields ........ just love it!!!
It's also start to my seaon, the most exciting time of the year for me!!
I just love getting Betty ready for all her up and coming events,
parties and weddings that she is invited to. xx


Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

I love Adele, Ellie Goulding, Eliza Doolitle....


Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

My most yummiest ice cream is Banana and Pecan cheesecake,
it is so delicious, made on the farm!!!
My favourite sweeties that I sell are Rhubarb and custard served in old fashioned stripey bags!!
Just heavenly... topped off with an ice cold glass bottle of ginger beer!!


4. What is your favourite smell this month ?

oooh when I lift the lid off of Rum and raisin it is lush!!!!!! xxx

 

 

 

What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

When I am not working in the van I am shopping at Handmade and vintage fairs
looking for something special.... a treasure I like to call it x
My favourite shop is 'The Most Marvellous place to shop' in Northampton.
It is an amazing place full of 50's, 60's and 70's finds... retro clothes and homeware !!
They even have a cute little tea room....

Hayley xxx

www.vintagescoops.co.uk

FREE from Me ... to You !!! . My suprise vintage find

 
 My vintage delivery day is getting BETTER and BETTER as the weeks go on

The guys know what is perfect for my shop
and they do seem to bring me MANY suprises too that always turn out to be oh so wonderful

 

and then
there always the super suprises ..... like this suitcase
that I thought was empty -
even my vintage rummagers who get first pick of everything
( yep mum and sis get preferentail treatment of course)
did not spot what was inside

So - tah dah
on opening up this suitcase
I found that it was full of vintage handkerchiefs
table cloths - mats - gloves
and a photo of a lady that I have given to my friend Lee

He collects vintage photos and I feel better giving them to him
as it just feels awful to throw them away

So - today I am happy to be giving away these gloves, crocheted mat
and embroidered handkerchief from the suitcase of suprises

If you are first to write a comment in the box below
I will post these items to you as soon as you send your address to me at
[email protected]

dommie

Jack Lillywhite - Take Five Interview

 
Do you remember this weeeee tennis racket ?

It found its way into my shop
after a long time in dark tucked away storage
until one day - it was rescued in a house clearance and brought to me

As you have come to know
I love every item that I sell
and maybe with the passing of time, my love of fantasy is more intense
and I respect that memories of yester year are so precious
so I often find myself dreaming and wondering what life these inanimate objects had
where they travelled/lived and who owned them

To complete my full picture
I always adore to know who has bought the items from my shop
and I guess I want to know who - say hello to
and say thanks to the peeps who have now breathed new life into these items

So ..... On popping the afore mentioned tennis racket into my shop
I struck up a dialogue with Jack - who had some questions to ask before deciding to purchase

Have a peek at the name on the racket .....
well - Jack - only turned out to be Jack Lillywhite
great-great grandson of Frederick William Lillywhite

WOWZAS - How super fab !!!!!

I just HAD to ask Jack to be part of my Take Five Interview slot
so that I and you can learn about him and the super duper history behind this racket

So ..... before I leave you with Jack
I am SO very happy that this racket is now across the pond standing proud at the Lilywhite Museum

( I do not think I will ever tire of my vintage treasure hunting - so fulfilling )

dommie

>.<

 

I am the great-great grandson of Frederick William Lillywhite,
"The Nonpareil Bowler", of cricket fame in the 19th century.  

 

 

 

When he moved to London from Brighton in 1844
he opened a cricket outfitters out of his home at 10 Princes Terrace, Caledonian Road, Islington
while employed as a professional at Lord's Cricket Ground.  

 

 

( Harry - My Great Grandfather )

 

 
His sons James, Sr., John, and Frederick became involved around 1852
and it evolved to Lillywhite Bros.

 ( Willie - My Grandfather )

Sports Outfitters that eventually through many ventures ended up as Lillywhites, Ltd.,
Piccadilly Circus, London - the famous sports emporium.  

 

I lived in London from 1997 to 2003 working in the engineering-construction business
and started to collect and curate the many items in our museum here in Florida. 

 We currently have over 3,500 individual pieces of vintage sports equipment
either manufactured by Lillywhite, Frowd & Company
or sold by the various Lillywhite sporting good outfitter ventures.  

 

 

( First cricket team to tour outside England by going to Canada and The United States in 1859. 
Included on the team was John Lillywhite my great uncle. 
His brother Frederick was the promoter and wrote a book about the tour. 
Another brother, my great grandfather, Harry, played for the US team in two of the games. )

The website for the museum is www.thelillywhitefamilymuseum.com  
It is located in Palm Coast Florida at Hammock Dunes, a private oceanfront golf community.  
My great-grandfather was the youngest son of Frederick William Lillywhite
and re-emigrated to America in 1887 to help introduce lawn tennis
to the sporting ladies and gentlemen in the United States. 

 He eventually, opened a shop in Southampton, New York
where it existed for 106 years when sold in 2001.

What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ?

 The most inspirational thing I have seen this month is the sunrise off the ocean
after a very large and intense rain storm we had with lightning and thunder.  
It reminded me that there is always more brightness in your day than darkness.  
Think sunshine not dark clouds.

Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

Someone sent me a powerpoint a guy put together to illustrate
Billy Joel's classic "We Didn't Start the Fire".  
It was quite incredible that he wrote this song to commemorate
his first 50 years through important events or people that are the lyrics.  
My favorite one is "Belgians in the Congo" since my wife is from outside Antwerp.

 

Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

There is nothing that compares to a Vanilla Malt accompanied by a Ground Sirloin Burger
cooked outside on the barbie and served with home cut french fries and lots of mayonnaise.

 

 

What is your favourite smell this month ?

It is spring in Florida and time for the Jasmine, Honeysuckle and Bougainville
to come out and lace the air with their sweet aroma.  
That and the distinctive smell of living by the sea.

 

What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

  My wife is an Interior Architect and wants to completely redo
the area the museum collection is located.  
Pretty impressive design.  
Some day I will share with all by posting new pictures on the website.

Cheers,

Jack Lillywhite, Curator

The Lillywhite Family Museum 

Laura Oakes - Take Five Interview

 

 

 

My Name is Laura, I am a designer, illustrator and pattern maker,
I grew up in brighton and was heavily influenced by the vibrant and colorful scene of art and people.....

 

 


I now live in Rye East sussex,
I was drawn to this area by its incredible and inspirational landscape and vibe,
and am now happy to call it home. 

 

Everything in life inspires me, from my small dog pixie and my cat misty to people. 
I am a huge romantic and love anything with a history and a story to it....
I would defiantly describe myself as a micro rather than a macro
and derive pleasure out of the smaller details of life and nature.  

 

 

What do you do?

I create visual imagery that translates into usable accessories for the home and decoration,
I produce ready to buy pieces from large drum lampshades and cushions
to smaller unique prints framed in one off frames sourced from flea markets and auctions.

I also have a range of furniture that takes,
reuses and adapts with new materials to create striking one off statement pieces 
my bespoke range offers people the chance to reinvent pieces of furniture
blending the  old with the new. ... I believe that new and exciting design
doesn't mean that you have to discard all your beloved old pieces of furniture,
you can transform and reinvent what you already have to create original and vibrant interiors and spaces.

Become a fan on the facebook page for regular updates:

 www.facebook.com/lauraoakes.co.uk
visit my website on: www.lauraoakes.co.uk
and of course follow me on twitter : lauraoakesrye! 

In rye There are many great vintage shops, one of my favorites is Mcully and Crane
www.mccullycrane.com

It has a great mix of objects and furniture. 
Marcus the owner has a way of putting random things together
to make them look as if they were always meant to be there.

I Love a new shop thats opened recently in Rye called “Violetta”
it has some wonderful things that touch all the senses,
gorgeous perfumes and candles to die for, with a great selection of vintage new jewelry (great for pressies :))

If I want some clothes fun I tend to go to Hastings for my quick fix!.....
there are some great small boutiques in the old town and a friend of mine
owns a lovely vintage shop called Little treasures
www.littletreasuresvintage.co.uk
I sometimes go there and we dress up an have a good giggle trying on all the stock!

 

 

SIGHT
What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month?

The most inspirational thing I have seen this month
has been the discovery of everything mini!

 

 

I have been collecting old vintage dolls house chairs and other furniture for a project
that im doing at the moment and I am officially hooked!
I have even been developing a minture cushion range to go with the mini chairs! 
This recent facination has fueled further mini things such as vintage dolls clothes,
the fabrics are amazing and a lot of them have been lovingly hand made.
Ill be posting up some images of these great finds on my facebook page,
so all can enjoy, so watch this space!

 

 

HEAR
Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

When it comes to music I am a bit of a romantic and get really nostalgic by songs of the past,
I have recently downloaded all of Nina Simone's albums and have been loving Django Reinhardt : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRL895C0fHM 

There is something really quirky about it and it makes you feel uplifted and happy. 
I think there's an honesty and integrity to the sounds and his voice, that speaks in volumes.  

I regularly trawl TasteKid : http://www.tastekid.com 
I can spend hours on this site, its a great way to find new and more obscure bands and musicians.

TASTE
Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

Mmm yummy food, lets think...My favorite food is probably Thai food,
the flavours and textures are always great, my favorite dish is probably sea bass. 
But I tend to always be drawn to something with a bit of spice in it!

Im not a big recipe follower as I tend to do things by colour and by eye rather than by measurement. 
The fun is going with the flow and seeing whats in your kitchen cupboard
to play with. this can sometimes end in some wonderful accidents (occasionally not!). 
Food to me should always be fun and enjoyable with a sprinkle of chilli!

 

 

SMELL
What is your favourite smell this month ?

This month there have been some amazing smells in the air. 
It finally feels like spring is in the air,
yet its that transition time when the log fires are still burning as the nights are still chilly
but the mornings are beginning to become dewey and fresh with the smell of the budding flowers...
This morning there was a thick mist in the air and you could hear the fog warnings
from the boats down at the harbor.  I
f you take a moment you can then smell the salt from the sea in the mist.

 

  
 TOUCH
What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

This month has been really busy for me preparing for my summer collection of bright florals. 
I have a new card range, cushions, lampshades, vibrant prints that will be on sale in the gallery. 
I have also been preparing for the Brighton festival as I will be exhibiting some bits at
http://www.framing-studio.co.uk/end-of-range-offers

So make sure you come down to see :)

 

 

As to home decor, its always difficult as there never seems enough time in the day to work and play
and Im really waiting for the boot fair season to start. 
The last few months have left me very ‘boot’ deprived. 

 

 
tend to re-jiggle things at home and love putting up treasures cards and found objects and images,
you only need to take a look at my studio to see what I mean!

I

 

 

 

Laura

Pop Bakery - Take Five Interview

 
I want a party with room fulls of laughter
Ten thousand tons of ice cream
And if I don't get the things I am after
I'm going to scream!
(Veruca Salt - Willy Wonka)

I have found THE perfect excuse for a party
for a ball
for a girlie catch up
even for a wedding

YIKES !!! ... I am utterly enamoured with these Pop Cakes

I spotted them on a TV programme
and thought how clever and ridiculously cute they are

I sent an e-mail to the guys at Pop Bakery and Clare was so kind to say
Yes .... she was happy to be interviewed for my little blog

I am off now to rustle up some ideas for events so I can order in some Pop Cakes

Here is Clare ...

My name is Clare O'Connell, brought up in London,
started POP business from my family home 10  months ago,
have gone from strength to strength,
proudest moment seeing my book in waterstones the other day.

Did latin at Manchester uni so unrelated,
then worked in different bakeries and kitchens for 9 months,
realised I wanted my own product and then started making cake POPs

 
 
SIGHT
1. What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this month ?

My new pink dr martins
plus Violet, a beautiful new bakery in Hackney

 

HEAR
2. Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011

Imelda May, saw her last night at the roundhouse for paddys day,
am irish too so good to support irish artists making it in the UK
also Rihanna is pretty standard come the weekend!

 

TASTE
3. Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?

Just the one, cake POP recipe, all secrets given in the new book

 

SMELL
4. What is your favourite smell this month ?

Daisy Marc Jacobs perfume, we helped with the launch supplying POPs, lovely perfume

 

TOUCH
5. What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?

Need to buy more bits and bobs for the bakery, searching for a vintage bakery sign would be nice

 

 

 

Thanks 

Best
Clare

Pedlars - Take Five Interview

I have been looking for the perfect time to use the word stoked
and on a very sunny March morning my opportunity came upon my day

Whilst sitting supping coffee, watching House Under the Hammer (my guilty pleasure)
and uploading products into my shop
I got an e-mail from Charlie at Pedlars who I had very politely asked to write some words
for a Pedlars Take Five Interview

RESULT - One very STOKED brown lady !!!!

Bear in mind that this chap has a very large and beautiful family
and a mind blowingly fresh and inspiring business
that makes me yearn for a home filled with Pedlars unique finds
that I feel are all sprinkled with the magic of their work and fulfilled life balance
- I was so humbled that he had some time to spare to pen some words for my blog

So I am going to hand you over to Charlie
and
if a business can have heart - then Pedlars truly does have a very warm and heathly one

I know you will enjoy his words and savour your visit to Pedlars

 

I am Charlie, a retailer.

Pedlars www.pedlars.co.uk is my main thing, but I also have a food shop.

And, of course, I have a blog www.charlieandcaroline-pedlars.blogspot.com

I have a wife, six children, six dogs and some chickens.

 

SIGHT
1. What is the most inspirational thing you have seen this March ?
Blossom. This has been the longest winter and I feel a powerful need for Spring.

 

HEAR
2. Tell us about a new tune/artist that you will be listening to throughout 2011
I think it'll be James Blake. That album is a grower.
Initially I thought it was over-hyped, but it's a grower.

 

TASTE
3. Do you have any yummy recipes or food must haves you wish to tell us about ?
Good bread. That's all.
We make our own. It's dead easy, but bread making machines are rubbish.

 

SMELL
4. What is your favourite smell this month ?
Spring air. a hint of warmth, maybe even mingling with the first of the cut grass.

 

 

TOUCH
5. What home interior updates do you have planned this year ?
We'll carry on painting our house, room-by-rrom.
We never really stop.
Some rooms have changed colour three times in ten years.
It's such a cheap and easy way to transform a house.

Charlie

Maggies Dress - Take Five Interview

 
 
I met Kelly at Love Vintage last summer
on a very sunny day in an old school in Wenove

As I passed under the super cute bunting
and saw all the cars outside filled with vintage loot
my heart smiled as I knew that I would have THE most happy morning

 

It was a great time and as well as searching through the racks of beautiful clothes
that Kelly was selling - as well as bags - shoes - jewellery (pure heaven)
it was also fabby to have a long chat with a very lovely lady

So without further a do - I will hand over to Kelly
and just say that I am delighted she is my first Take Five interviewee of the new year

 

Hi Everyone
I'm Kelly and I lovingly own Maggies Dress

Maggiesdress aim to provide vintage clothing for woman all of shapes and sizes
giving confidence to try different styles

We love to play with clothing and style our models to give ideas on how to wear vintage and retro

 

We handpick lovely clothing, accessories and shabby-chic
homeware from a variety of sources using our experience or selling vintage

 

Although we sell predominately online we also have stalls at vintage fairs throughout the country including Blind Lemon Cardiff and It’s Darling Bath

 

SIGHT
So far this year my favourite thing seen is the John French calendar
with the most beautiful classic and elegant pictures all in black and white

With thanks to the V&A for these pictures and giving me the starting point
to find out more on his photography

 

HEAR
Ooooh lots of music on my ipod and I find it hard to choose so I’ll choose a few favourites…
American Sweetheart music from 1950s with special inspiration from Buddy Holly
I am also quite liking the sound of Ellie Goulding’s beautiful voice especially Starry Eyes
As a back up my favourite albums … Live – Throwing Copper & Nirvana - Never mind
The Pierces are another band which I hoping will break through to mainstream this year

 

TASTE
I have a strange obsession for Marks & Spencer Sweet Pickle Beetroot …
gorgeous with cheese or bacon sandwiches
Other than that my friend has just started her own biscuit & cookie business
and her shortbread is to die for
I’m not really the cook in our house; my partner does most of it
so the only recipe I can recommend is the Jamie Oliver - Potato and Leek soup - Lush!

 


SMELL
I adore L’Occtaine scents as they are often fresh and fruity
My particular scent of the moment is their Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance
which has light lemon tones

 

TOUCH
We will be moving this year and as always have a very tight budget,
so I will be using re-claimed picture frames and crockery to mis-match
all around the house will lots of little eccentric touches here and there
I collect large Cath Kidson mugs
and hope to get some of the new collection for my birthday (big hint)
I look to John Lewis and Graham Greene for ideas and inspiration

Catch us on facebook

or Twitter

 

Kelly