Muffin Top Vintage

And the winner is :)

2012-03-04T19:10:00.003Z

Hi All,
I am so happy to share that Hannah of Palindrome Poppet is the Winner of the birthday present giveaway.
Hannah Please email me you address and I will get them sent over ASAP.

Have a great week

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

She & Him - In The Sun

2012-02-29T21:36:00.000Z

Hi Guys
Just a quick one to say hi & to share this song, it never fails to make me smile.
I'm hoping the blog designing won't take too long, please bear with me :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

What I wore for my birthday :)

2012-02-26T20:26:00.001Z

Hi Lovelies,

So my 30th birthday has been and gone and what a fabulous fun was had!! :)
On Friday my actual birthday Mr Rob took me out to Portobello market in Notting Hill; London.

See and do so I will do a separate posts as I have loads pictures to share.

I wore my Whats the the Peter Pan dress from Chicwish which I must say is a very lovely dress :)

It's made from soft thick fabric, and although Friday wasn't to chilly in itself I was able to wear it with a warm pair of tights, my favourite boots and just my mac.

On the way home we just happened to bump in to my sister Charlene and my Nephew Jeromey who were on there way to my house to see me.

He is such a cutie and also not shy when it comes to pictures, most of which are very cheeky :)

When I got home my Mum and Mr Rob brought a birthday cake for me, which was super yummy.

Well I hope you guys had a fabulous weekend.
Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes.

Have an awesome week.
Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! & presents for you!!

2012-02-24T10:23:00.001Z

Hi Lovelies,
So today I am finally 30!!!

I wave goodbye my 20's and look forward to the adventures I will have in my 30's!!!
Now it wouldn't be a birthday without presents, I have got some awesome presents and I will blog about them another time but I thought I would do a bigger giveaway with three presents in one, for one of you fabulous people.

So to win this cute floral purse, Pocket mirror and Deer necklace all you need to do is Follow this blog :) If you'd like two additional entries follow Mufintopvintage on twitter and retweet the giveaway.

Don't forget to let me know you have done these by posting a comment below, giveaway closes Wednesday 29th February 2012 and is open to all readers :)

Also birthday wouldn't be a birthday if I didn't included a picture of me as a chubby 3/4 year old.

hehehe I was a chunky, ginger monkey!!

I am off out to celebrate the day.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

I Wanna Dance By Autumn Andersen

2012-02-21T21:35:00.001Z

Hey guys,
I just had to share this amazing tribute to Whitney Houston, that I happen to find online.
Whitney was an amazing singer, and my mum was a huge fan so not only was I sad to here she had passed away but I was also sad that my mum was sad.

My Mum & Dad danced to I want to run to to you on their wedding day, I think I need to pick a Whitney song to dance to with my dad on my wedding day which is fast approaching!

Ok 7 months away, but still!!

Anywhodoodle back to the topic in question, Autumn Andersen I think you Rock and I am sure Whitney Huston would have loved your version!!!

Enjoy :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

5 till 30: Attack of the dizzies!!!

2012-02-19T19:29:00.003Z

Hi Lovelies,
Just a quick post to say sorry for my lack of posts this week/weekend.
I had been meaning to put up two more giveaways before Friday but I didn't manage so I hope to get one up this week.

I have been feeling under the weather and I seem to be getting the case of the dizzies a lot!! :(

I have spent the weekend resting, so fingers crossed I'll feel better tomorrow.

I hope you have had a great weekend.
Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

8 till 30 Spice Girls: Who do you think you are - Comic Relief Video

2012-02-16T21:00:00.000Z

Hey Lovelies,
This was & always be my favorite music video ever!!!
I was a big Spice girls fan, even though my grunge phase, how could you not love them??

Not to mention all the fabulous female comedians, Kathy Burke, Dawn French, Llewella Gideon, Lulu & Jennifer Saunders for the Red Nose day video.

Anyway just thought I would share :)
I hope your having a great week.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

10 till 30 - Birthday Suit :)

2012-02-14T21:33:00.002Z

Hello People,
I promise there will be no naked pictures on my blog :) hehehe
I am doing this post for some ideas/opinions, as you can see from my title my birthday is 10 days away!!!! EXCITING!!!

I need a dress to wear out for my birthday celebrations, here are some ideas of what I was thinking of but which one would you go for??

ModCloth.

1. Boat House Brunch Dress 2. Froctober Dress 3.Oceanside Dreaming Dress

Dorothy Perkins

1.Orange Peterpan Tile Dress 2. Ivory & Black Bird Circle Dress 3.Maroon peterpan collar dress

Topshop

1. Carey Dress 2. Allover Sequin Prom Dress 3. Anais Dress

Thanks for your help lovelies :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

12 till 30 - TOWIB & Random Photo's

2012-02-12T19:42:00.002Z

Hi Lovelies,
So yesterday I went to TOWBI and silly me I forgot my camera!!! Boo!!
I borrowed this piccy from the lovely Sundri :) I hope you don't mind my lovely.
Unfortunately Sundri wasn't included as she was taking it, why don't you pop by Rose Beauty Box to meet her :)

The lovely ladies in this picture are Izzie - Blue October, Kat - Jemima and Ted, Mel - Media Marmalade oh and little old me on the end :)

I had a great time, for my first blogger event I must say it was lovely to meet so many bloggers that I speak to on a daily basis on twitter and some really sweet new people too.... yeah you know who you are :)

Anyway I thought I would share some random pictures from my adventures this week :)

I hope you have a fabulous week :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

16 till 30 Drum roll please!!!!

2012-02-09T18:07:00.000Z

Hello Lovelies!!!
Just a quick a post to say the winner of the Giveaway time my Deers post is.....

Melissa of The Delicate Place YAY!!!!

Melissa please email me your address to muffintopvintage@hotmail.co.uk

Don't worry those who missed out I am doing another giveaway shortly!!!

Ciao for now.
Love Katrina xx

19 till 30 Juggling is making me sleepy.

2012-02-06T19:00:00.000Z

Hi again,
How are we??
Yes it's Monday again and all I can think of is how much I have to do this week.

At present I am working on my MA in HR (Human Resources), for those of you who are unsure of what HR is. I am the person that deals with employee issues like disciplinaries, Sickness Absence, recruitment etc.

Now I am under no preconception that the HR or Personnel department are not always peoples favorite but lets face it if I didn't do my job then well no one would have any staff or know what Employment Laws they had to abide by.

Anyway as my title says I am juggling quite a lot at the moment, so I have taken a step back to review things.
My main tasks are:

Monday to Friday Work 8 am to 4pm (up and out by 6.30 am)
Writing my dissertation - Due 2nd April 2012 (Me working on it above)
Planning my wedding for September 2012
Blogging
Sewing
Lastly my day to day chores washing cooking cleaning!!! Don'tcha just love em!!! :)

I think sometimes I try to juggle too much and it makes me tired which means I lack concentration and due to my dyslexia it takes all my concentration to read even a chapter.

So after a long think I have decided something has to give, I can't not work or cook & clean or complete the dissertation but I can put somethings off. So until 2nd April 2012 this is what I have decided.
I will not be doing any wedding planning at all, before I stop completely I will book in days with my bridesmaids so that once I hand in the dissertation I can move full steam a head with my planning and doing with their help.

Sewing can also be put on the back burner, I have a few unfinished projects but they will have to wait until I have more time. Sorry lovely new singer machine just waiting to be used!!! I love you still!!! :)

One thing I have decided is I won't give up my blog, my posts may be a little scarce until April but I do plan to do at least two a week. I also have things coming up like my birthday and well I can't not celebrate turning 30 right??? but I really also need to buckle down and finish this report.

I think it is important to stop and take stock of your priorities because sometime if you don't you over work yourself and then end up dropping the ball or is it a ball? Oh well you know what I mean :)

So on with my stolen jogging bottoms & T Shirt (they are both Mr Rob's) and let's get cracking!!!

Here's to a productive week.
Take care

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

20 till 30: Snow much fun!!!

2012-02-05T15:41:00.003Z

Hello People,
How are we? If your in London I hope you are wrapped up warm & out having fun in the snow!
This also applies to any of my readers also experiencing snow, go out and have some fun!

When it snows I can't think of a better thing to do than go play in it!!

I decided to do an outfit post at the same time, it was surprisingly not that cold without my coat when I did the pictures without it........No good doing an outfit post with my coat on.

As you know I am all about layering when its cold so I started off with a knitted dress, my horse cardigan, think leggings, my snugly hat and snood and finished it off with some super warm socks and my favourite boots.

My lovely friend Amelie stay over last night so I just had to include her n my post, doesn't she look all snugly in her furry coat!!! I plan to steal it at some stage :D

Anywhododdle here are some snaps of me acting ever so grown up by throwing snow at Mr Rob while he was taking shots of me.

I hope your having a super fab weekend.

Dress: Zara (Charity Shop) Cardigan & Leggings: Tesco Belt: Charity shop Snood: Accessorize, Dragonfly broach: Gift from Mr Rob's folks and Hat: H&M about 3 years ago, if not longer :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

21 till 30 Flutterby Dress

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000Z

Hey lovelies,
How are we?
Can you believe by tomorrow I will be 20 days away from being 30!!! Exciting times :)

Anyway I wanted to do a post about this amazing butterfly or as I liked to call them Flutterbies when I was about 2 years old .... ok ok I admit it I still say it now.

This dress was given to my by Matalan, it's actually a funny story really myself and Laura of A daisy chain dream had both seen new dresses in the Matalan catalog and Laura tweeted about it, we were both saying we couldn't wait for pay day to go out an buy it. Then we both were contacted by the lovely Charlotte at Matalan to offer us th dresses. How cool was that! Big hugs & kisses for Charlotte YAY!!!

It is a lovely dress for spring but as I couldn't wait till then I teamed it with a petticoat; which you can see poking out at the bottom, my mulberry cardigan of the moment, a pair of snugly boots and my mustard tights.

I don't about you but I am not a really a trousers girl so in the winter I tend to wear thicker tights and petticoats, they do say layers are better. I must say if my feet are warm and I am wearing a hat I don't find it so bad. :)

To make it even warmer for being outside I added my snood and my "tea cozy" hat, I call it my tea cozy hat because well that is what all my family including Mr Rob call it. I don't care because it is my favorite.

I even thought I lost it last year and I was really devastated till my sister found it in her room when she was moving out. :)
Only things about hats is they push you hair into your eye's.......oh well at least my eyebrowa are warm hey!!!

Well that's enough of my chitter chatter, have a great weekend.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Dress: Matalan, Belt: Charity shop, Cardigan: Primark, Tights: New Look, Boots & petticoat: La Redoute, Snood: Accessorize, Dragonfly broach: Gift from Mr Rob's folks and Hat: H&M about 3 years ago, if not longer :)

22 till 30!!! Giveway time my Deers

2012-02-03T17:44:00.000Z

Hello Lovelies,
So it's giveaway time again and for this post I have this beautiful matching deer ring and necklace set.... see what I did with my title hehehe :)

To be in for a chance to win it all you need to do is tweet about my giveaway but remember to include @mufintopvintage (remember just one T in muffin) so I know you have entered :)
If you don't have a Twitter account or for a second entry you can also add a comment below!!!

This giveaway is open to anyone who would like to enter and will close on Wednesday 8th February 2012 :)

Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

23 till 30 And the Winner is!!!!!

2012-02-02T19:35:00.002Z

Ello...did you say Hello?? No I ello!!! :)
Does anyone remember what film that's from??

Just a short post to announce the winner of the 30 to 30 giveaway is Katie H!!!
I'll be emailing you shortly for your address.

Don't worry those who missed out I have a few more giveaways planned in the run up to my birthday.

Have a lovely evening, just think only one day left & then its Saturday!!!

Ciao for now
Love Katrina xx

25 till 30 Little Me!!!

2012-01-31T20:06:00.001Z

So lovelies,
How are we? Just a quick post today.
I thought for my 25 to 30 post I would share this picture of me from when I was about 2/3 years old.
Enjoying my food as always yum!!! :)

I hope you have a super duper fabulous week :)
Ciao for now.
Love Katrina xx

26 till 30 Bush- Come Down ˙(Acoustic)

2012-01-30T21:21:00.000Z

Hi guys,
Sorry I was a bit crap this weekend, it was Mr Rob's birthday so I didn't manage to blog as planned.
Anyway this is my all time favorite song by all time favorite band Bush.
I wanted to marry Gavin Rossdale when I was 13 still kinda do now but well he's married and I get married in September... oh well it wasn't meant to be hehehehe.
Enjoy :)
Ciao for now.
Love Katrina xx

29 till 30 Sheã Seger - CLUTCH

2012-01-27T20:00:00.000Z

Hi guys,
So for my 29 to 30 I have decided to put one of my favourite songs.
This was realized in 2001 when I was 19... wow 10 years ago.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

30 till 30 - Let's start with a giveaway!!!

2012-01-26T19:44:00.001Z

NOTE: This giveaway is now closed please keep your eye's peeled for more :)

Hello lovelies!
How has your week been??
I bet your wondering what 30 till 30 is all about.Well..... Now you have to keep this top secret, I am 30 years old in 30 days!!I can't believe I am already at this milestone in my life, it feels like yesterday I was getting up for school.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not bothered by my age. I don't look 30 so I'm told and age is just a number.
I think I am more excited than anything else!!!
Anyway I decide to really celebrate turning 30 I would attempt to post something everyday & what better way to start it off than a giveaway. Right?

So to start it off I have 1 set of beautiful bangles from New Look.I brought myself some and an extra pair for one of my lucky followers.

All you have to do to enter is place a comment below telling me what you do in the run up to your birthday along with your email so I can contact you if you win :)
You don't have to follow me to be entered, but it would be lovely if you could, I am also on Twitter & Facebook too.I plan a couple more over the next 30 days so keep an eye out :)

This giveaway is open to all my lovely readers and closes 12pm GMT Wednesday 1st Febuary 2012.
I will announce the winner next Thursday :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

We Are The Birdcage - Up & Leave (Official Music Video)

2012-01-24T06:20:00.000Z

Playing Cat & Mouse

2012-01-21T17:40:00.002Z

Hi lovelies!

HAPPY SATURDAY!!! :)

I am sure you feel the same as I do about Saturdays, I love them.

I am so busy with work in the week I like to spend Saturday morning in bed, but that sometimes can make me lazy.

So today I met my lovely friend Catherine for a cuppa & a natter, I couldn't decide what to wear mostly because I was feeling lazy from my morning lie in. I didn't feel like wearing a dress so I threw on this jumper, my black pencil and my ASOS shoes.

I then thought it would be cute to wear the two rings my sister Spec brought me for Christmas. The small one is a mouse wrapped around my little finger... I think you can just about see it & the other is the cat ears don't you think they are cute??

Not sure if you noticed but I have two rings on my wedding finger, No I'm not married yet. My engagement ring has become too big so I have to add another on top until I get it re-sized.

Anyway that's me for today, have a great evening, I am going to relax with my Spec & Mr Rob.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina xx

IN SPITE OF OURSELVES

2012-01-19T19:43:00.001Z

I love this!!!! :)

My New Facebook Page

2012-01-18T19:20:00.003Z

Ello Lovlies,
Just a quick post to say I set up a Facebook page the other day, I would be ever so grateful if you could share/like it for me.

Cheers my dears.
Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Obsessed with Rust.

2012-01-17T19:35:00.009Z

Ello Lovelies,
I am sitting here watching WWE Raw with Mr Rob, yes I know it's staged but I love it!!!!
It's my vice, some girls have the only way is Essex, some have Easterners and I have Wrestling!

So on a completely separate note, here is my outfit from yesterday (sorry about the front door in the pictures it was too dark for pictures by the time I got home) and as the title says I am totally obsessed with Rust clothing!!! I am so glad it is popular at the moment because I can stock up :)

I normally mix in vintage items or second hand treasures to my outfits but this is all high street, the cardigan is from Tesco, the skirt is from Primark & the bodysuit underneath is Warehouse.

I paired it with my La Redoute boots and my hair style of the moment. Everyone always comments on my hair when I wear it like this but to be honest and this is our little secret but I normally do my hair like this because it needs a wash or as I found on Sunday used a new conditioner that my hair look like it needed another wash.

It is actually quite easy to do, would anyone like me to post a how to guide?

Well let me know!
Have a great week and I'll be back soon!!!

Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

Super Duper Sunday!!!

2012-01-15T21:14:00.005Z

Hello People,
How are we??
I had a super fabulous day today with the very lovely Amy of Vintage Reflection.

We met in Covent Garden, went for a yummy pub lunch; Pie, Mash & Liqueur... minus the Liqueur :)

Amy used her super swish camera to take some outfit pictures for me and they came out so well, she even kindly edited them for me!!
I wore my vintage checked dress my fabulous Mum & Dad got me for Christmas :)
I paired it with one of my favorite Mustard cardigans, some super snugly tights and my new ASOS shoes.

I took my Diana Mini with me, although I didn't use it in the end, I think it looks super cool in the pictures Amy took. She even used a picture of me for her project 52, I feel very honored! :)

Amy & I must have chatted for over three hours about projects we would like to do together, more information on this will follow in a few weeks or so but for now it is super top secret. :)
I had such a lovely day, I feel so inspired by Amy, she is such a nice girl and I can't wait to get to work on the projects together.

I hope you all have had a great weekend too.

Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

LANIE LANE: Oh Well, That's What You Get Falling In Love With A Cowboy

2012-01-10T18:00:00.000Z

What I wore today for afternoon tea

2012-01-08T21:08:00.000Z

Hi guys,
Yes I went afternoon tea AGAIN!!!!
My lovely friend Amelie was so kind to invite me to afternoon tea that she got as a birthday present.

Don't think she is just beautiful!!

I wore my new dress, I know I know I didn't need anymore dresses but I loved her as soon as I saw her!!!
I love the mix of blue & green. I paired it my brogues from Clarks and some comfy navy tights! Oh & my bag of the moment Mr Foxy :)

I am also loving my high bun with a bow at the moment, Amelie said I reminded her of Zooey Deschanel, which I think is a lovely compliment :)

Anyway, that was what I wore.
I hope you had a great weekend & your week is even better.
Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

Kate Nash - Foundations

2012-01-03T18:00:00.000Z

My 2012 Resolutions

2012-01-01T19:00:00.005Z

Hello Lovelies,
So it is finally 2012, this is a big year for me :)
Not Only do I turn 30 but I also get married!!! I can't believe it!!!

Every year I try to set a couple of new years resolutions & I do my best to stick to them but I can't say I always do. I did stick to my no new clothes for a year until July which I think was quite good for me as I love buying new clothes!!

I think that it is good to make some as it gives me goals to work towards, this year my resolutions will be:

Look after myself more both physically & mentally
This includes maintaining a healthy diet, taking more time to relax and to walk more. I feel reaching 30 I feel that I haven't so I will do my best to make sure I do.

Be more organised
I have started as i mean to go on by buying all the Birthday & Christmas cards for 2012. Also with the wedding approaching this is even more fundamental. I have made a list of all the things that need to be done for it and all the things I want to make for the day.

Open an online shop
I am not sure if I will do this but I hope by September I will have it up & running. I plan to sell all my hand made creations. It is still in the planning stage but this will hopefully include some items of clothing :)

So what are your resolutions? I would love to hear them :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

HAPPY 2012!!!!

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

Hello my dears,
Just a super quick post to say Happy New Year, I hope 2012 is your best year yet!!!

Now I am off to get my New Years Kiss off Mr Rob :)

I hope you having a fabulous New Year's Eve :)
Ciao for now.
Love Katrina xx

What Are You Doing New Years Eve? by Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-L...

2011-12-30T17:01:00.001Z

The Fox & Hound

2011-12-27T16:46:00.004Z

Hello All,
How are we?
Like myself I am sure you have had quite a busy couple of days, I hope your Christmas was as lovely as mine:)

I got some wonderful presents, I feel very spoiled this year, not only did I get this lovely Mr Fox Satchel off my sister but I also got a lovely vintage Singer sewing machine in full working order & a over locker which I have wanted for ages. Oh I must not to forget my Ukulele :) I can't wait to get practicing.
Speaking of Christmas presents, I must admit in the run up to Christmas I brought myself this jumper, isn't is cute :)

When I saw it in the shop I squealed with excitement, I love jumpers with doggies on them & a Sausage dog or Dachshund is even cuter.

I paired it with my Faux leather grey skirt and pink peter pan collared top, I think it is a cute outfit if I do say so myself and with my Cath Kidson pumps it was the perfect shopping outfit :)

I didn't actually buy much when I went shopping, I only got a new top and some socks but I did buy all my Christmas & birthday cards for 2012. I feel very organised :

Well that's enough of my chit chatter, I would love to hear from you :)
Have a super fab week!!

Ciao for now.
Love Katrina x

Jumper: Joy - Pink Peter Pan top: Topshop - Skirt: Central Park - Tights: Tesco - Pumps: Cath Kidston.

She & Him - Christmas Wish

2011-12-25T18:00:00.001Z

Merry Christmas one & all

2011-12-25T17:01:00.004Z

Hello pretties :)
It is finally Christmas day!! :)

I got some lovely presents one of which was an amazing working Vintage Singer Sewing machine!!!
I will share pictures soon.

I wore my new dress with a big bow in my hair, whatcha thinks?

I hope you are having a wonderful day :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

She & Him - Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-12-24T23:59:00.000Z

Busy Bee day

2011-12-24T23:00:00.001Z

Well Hello people!!!!
Happy Christmas Eve :)

Is everyone as excited as me?? I bet you are!
So it's 11pm, and I have spent the whole day trying to finish my list from yesterday.

Cut pattern for nieces cape - DONE
Cut pattern for other nieces bunny's dress (Soft toys) - DONE
Sew the above - DONE
Finish of the tail of Nephews Snake - DONE
Wrap Christmas Presents - DONE
Set up sofa bed for sister - DONE: She is snoozing as we speak :)
Wash & set hair - NOT DONE: I didn't have time for this but I changed my mind on the style so it can be done tomorrow.
Make chocolate trifle for Christmas day - HALF DONE: I can't add the whipped cream till tomorrow
Iron Christmas day outfit NOT DONE: Will do this in the morning or just hope no one notices the creases :)

Oh well 6 & half is not too bad and I only have to do a few bits in the morning.

I am off to bed now for a well deserved sleep, I wonder what time Santa will arrive, maybe I should ask him to have a look at my sewing machine while he is here?

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

She & Him - Silver Bells

2011-12-23T23:59:00.000Z

Agggrrrhhhh I am not ready!!!

2011-12-23T13:46:00.002Z

Hi People!!!
Yes it is Christmas eve - eve and I still have too much to do.
Every year I say "I am going to be more prepared this year", but I never am.
I am going to need to make a to do list just to make sure I get everything done in time.

Cut pattern for nieces cape
Cut pattern for other nieces bunny's dress (Soft toys)
Sew the above
Finish of the tail of Nephews Snake
Wrap Christmas Presents
Set up sofa bed for sister
Wash & set hair
Make chocolate trifle for Christmas day
Iron Christmas day outfit, BTW went to Topshop today & got the dress I wanted for half price!!! SCORE!!!! :)WOW!! So much to do so little time, I hope you are more prepared that I am. :)

I so need a extra day! Oh well I shall muster on!
Have a great day.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

She & Him - Sleigh Ride

2011-12-22T23:59:00.000Z

Christmas day outfit ideas - Modcloth

2011-12-22T21:58:00.010Z

Hi Lovely people!!!
Only 3 more sleeps till Christmas!!!! YAY!!! :)

So I finished up the purchasing part of my Christmas shopping today & all that’s left is finishing the sewing aspect; which is half way there and the wrapping them up!!! So exciting, I love giving gifts :)

Like most people I like to get dressed up for Christmas day so I am looking for some inspiration on what I could wear???
For this I have decided to go to one of my favorite online stores which is always overflowing with pretty party dresses.... you just can't help but love Modcloth :)

Red is the colour of choice of course & I have purchased a new hair accessory, best £2 I have ever spent if I do say so. I will show pictures of it soon ☺

I think dresses for Christmas day have to be a mixture of style & comfort. You need to feel comfortable when you have finished your dinner and you need to snuggle up on the sofa to watch a movie then be able to spring into action should visitors arrive and still feel pretty.

Here are my picks

Anyway enough of the dresses, see you again soon

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

She & Him - Little Saint Nick

2011-12-21T23:59:00.002Z

Follow the yellow brick road.... wait thats not it??? :)

2011-12-21T22:48:00.004Z

Hi All,
I know I already posted by I am now officially on blogloving so pretty much all I was going to say was Follow my blog with Bloglovin if you'd like :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Christmas Sale wish List - Topshop

2011-12-21T22:13:00.004Z

Hi All,
Ok Ok I know what your thinking, Christmas hasn't even arrived and I am thinking about sales!

Well I think you should always be prepared, go out with a list of what you want/need rather than coming back with a load of dodgy impulse buys!

So in the recent weeks of Christmas shopping/ window shopping for the sales I have spotted the following from Topshop and I am currently willing them to be part of the sale! please please please :)

I know what your thinking, wishful thinking on my part but seriously a girl can dream right???
I think all three together would make a very cute party outfit, especially say for a milestone birthday in February??
I did contemplate buying the dress but I couldn't spend £60 on a new dress when I am poor from buying Christmas presents.

So come on people what are you willing to go into the sales??
Keep you fingers & toes crossed for me :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

She & Him - I'll Be Home for Christmas

2011-12-20T23:30:00.000Z

Afternoon tea at lunch time is still afternoon tea right?

2011-12-20T21:35:00.002Z

Hello people,
How are we??
Sunday I had afternoon tea with the lovely Emily & here boyfriend Tom, we didn't get any pictures of Mr Rob & Tom only the one below of Emily & I.

It was at Altitude 360 which had views across London, from where we were we could see the London Eye, Big Ben and loads of other land marks... I won't name them all because we will be here all night :)

We started with English Breakfast Tea of course, then we had finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & jam and then a selection of yummy cakes.

This is the second time I have had afternoon tea and I am always so amazed how stuffed I feel even though it doesn't seem like much. The scones are always my favourite part, for weeks after scones are all I really wanna eat but I don't because if I did I would be the size of a house :)

On the way back from the station I noticed how pretty the Houses of Parliament look with the sun on them peeping through the trees. Mr Rob look a picture for me . Pretty don't you think?

Anyway that's enough of my chit chatter, I hope you are enjoying the She & Him Christmas song posts. Only three more sleeps and I am off for 10 days!!! YAY!!!!
Also only 5 more sleeps till Christmas, I hope your all enjoying the build up as much as me.

Have a great week.

Ciao for now
Love
Katrina x

She & Him - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2011-12-19T13:32:00.000Z

Fa la la la la, la la la la

2011-12-18T19:33:00.004Z

Hello my pretties!!
Just sitting here nursing a cold!
This however will not affect my Christmas spirit hence the title and my plan to blog a She & Him Christmas song everyday up until Christmas Day. :)
I love listening to the album on my way to work, that & other Christmas songs, nothing gets me in the mood more than music and a yummy hot chocolate.

Yesterday evening my friends, Mr Rob and I went for dinner to a lovely Indian restaurant. It was kind of a Christmas meal or rather a Christmas Curry :)

We didn't manage to get a picture of Mr Rob but here is me with my lovely friends Catherine & Alex. I love them loads I couldn't be without them!!!

I wore my red dress (Tesco) , my shiny (Clarks) brogues and my Vintage 1930's Christmas cardigan, it made me feel very festive.
The cardigan is really cute with the raindeers on it, it is amazingly soft for being so old. Knitwear back then was made so well, I don't think the cardigans of today would last as long.

The meal was quite spicy which was really good for my cold. I was able o breath freely for the whole evening. I think I need to eat spicy everyday until my cold clears up.

I went out for afternoon tea today but I'll blog about that tomorrow.

I hope you had a great weekend :)

Ciao for now.
Love
Katrina x

She & Him - The Christmas Song

2011-12-18T13:32:00.000Z

The girl & the three legged horse

2011-12-17T22:06:00.010Z

Hiya lovelies,
It's been a while!!
Are you all ready for Christmas? It's only a week away!!!
I am almost done, just a few bits here and there. So excited!!!

So Friday I went to do some more shopping with my lovely Mr Rob to London, the shops were actually not too busy.
I picked up the last lot of supplies for some hand made presents I am finishing this week. It is going to be a busy week!!!

It is starting to get very chilly out there & as a girl who always wears skirts or dresses this means I have to become quite inventive with ways to keep warm.
Layers are my biggest friend, yesterday I had a long sleeve thermal t shirt, a petticoat dress type thing, a thick pair of tights, dress, & my favourite horse cardi.

It is funny because every year is the same, I forget how cold I get but with my layers mixed with my coat, snood, hat & mittens I am as warm as toast!

The title may confuse you but it is to do with my belt, the horse on it who's name is Fred lost a leg in action but I didn't have the heart to get rid of him. Especially as he works just fine:)

Well I hope to post a little more over the next week, I would like to share the presents I make but I have to keep them secret until Christmas day :)

Enjoy your week; I hope to be back to soon.

Ciao for now
Love
Katrina x

She & Him - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

Button It for Cellardoor Magazine

2011-11-29T18:11:00.003Z

Hi My lovelies,
Just a quick one to say please pop along to Cellardoor Magazine to see the D.I.Y Button photo frame post I did.

Ciao for now
Love
Katina x

Mmmmm Cake in a Mug

2011-11-27T11:11:00.003Z

Hi Everyone!!!

I was having a huge craving for chocolate cake last night & I remembered a post I did on tumblr where you could make a chocolate cake in 5 minutes using a microwave. So I made one & I thought I would share the recipe.

Stuff you'll need:

4 Tablespoons of plain or self raising flour

4 Tablespoons caster sugar

2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons milk

3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil

4 squares of milk chocolate (any kind)

1 large Mug

1 flat knife
Instructions:

Mix flour, sugar & cocoa in the mug
Add 1 egg mix well
Add milk & oil, mix well
Add 4 squares of chocolate to the middle, make sure it sinks & is covered by the mixture.
Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power
Wait until it stops rising & sets in the mug
Using a flat knife make sure the middle is cooked, if not put back into the microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat if necessary.
Once you are sure its cooked all the way through tip the contents out of mug on to saucer & enjoy with a good cup of tea :)

Ciao for now
Love
Katrina x

In Your Arms - Kina Grannis (Official Music Video)

2011-11-21T21:20:00.002Z

Just came across this online, It's such a cute video!!
Enjoy :)

Ciao for now
Lots of Love
Katrina x

D.I.Y Floral Crown.

2011-11-20T20:26:00.001Z

Hello Lovely people,

So as promised here is the D.I.Y for the floral headband/Crown I wore in my post yesterday.
This is a really simple & quick D.I.Y & I am happy to say this D.Y.I cost me £2,75.
Which is great because the floral crowns in the shops can be expensive & I can never find exactly the colored flowers I want.

So here's how it's done:

Supplies you need:
Fake/fresh flowers, I used fake (£1.75 local garden center)
A braided hairband (£1)
Sharp scissors or wire cutters
Don't forget the most important part, a hot cuppa to refresh you as you work :)

Push/ remove the leaves from around the flower so you can see the stem.

Decide where you want to cut, then using the sharp scissors of the wire cutters snip away.

If using fake flowers remove the plastic from the stem carefully so you are left with just a short bit of wire.
Thread the flower though the braid and wrap the wire around the top of the stem at the bottom of the flower to keep it in place.
Then repeat with all the flowers and there you have it, your very own floral crown.

Please do send me pictures if you decide to make one, I would love to see how yours looks too :)

Ciao for now
Lots of love
Katrina xx

Flowers in her hair

2011-11-19T21:59:00.009Z

Hello my lovelies,
How are we?
So I have been planning to do a little DIY post but every time I remembered I need to take a picture of the final stage it was too dark, rest assured it will be up tomorrow for you all.

In the mean time I thought I would share a what I wore today.

Mr Rob & I decided to spend the day with my niece Macey , we popped to Hobbycraft for some supplies as we been helping her make her mums Christmas present.

The dress I am wearing is an Vintage 60's Laura Ashley dress I got from eBay, when I got it was quite long and resembled a night dress so after some consideration & encouragement from my dear friend Amber I finally took it up. I think it turned out well.

Here is the dress before (not a great picture):

I absolutely love the lace panels and the sleeves, they are just so pretty and delicate.

As it is getting chiller I decided to pair it with my cowboy boots and a denim jacket I have had for about 10 year!!!

I also wore a flower headband I made, Mr Rob's mum said I looked like a mayday girl :)
How would you like a post on how to make one of your very own? Well keep your eye's pealed and it'll be up here tomorrow.

This necklace was made for me by Mr Rob's mum, she is very talented! I have a number of necklaces that she has made me & I always get compliments on them.

Here are some pictures of Macey & I.

I love my little Moo (I call her Macey Moo), can you tell?

Flower Headband - DIY by me!
Denim Jacket - GAP
Dress - eBay
Tights - Tesco
Boots - Thrifted :)

Well I better be off to bed I think I just yawned about 20 times in a row.

Night Night All.

Ciao for now.

Love Katrina x

Weekend in Wales - What I wore

2011-11-07T20:00:00.004Z

Hello my lovelies,
How are we?
I can't believe it is Monday already, on the plus side I had a wonderful weekend in Wales visiting my aunt, her friends & their great Dane Rufus.

I actually didn't get many pictures of the scenery as my aunt's cottage it quite high up which means when it is foggy you can't see a thing down the valley.

Due to this I was only able to take outfit posts pictures so this is what I wore on Saturday.

I am having a lot of fun with my wardrobe at the moment, due to my recent and hopefully continued health eating regime I have started fitting into things that were once too small for me. (Que cheesy smile)

It is amazing mainly because I bagged up all the items that were to small for me and hid them away because I was fed up of going into the wardrobe and trying things on only to find they were too small which made me sad.

Take this dress for example, I had actually put it in a bag to be taken to the local charity shop a couple of weeks ago (which I haven't got around to taking it there yet) and I happened to have misplaced a cardigan so I checked the bag just in case.

I decided to give it away because the puff sleeves were too tight, thankfully the moment I was going through the bag I was feeling particularly creative and decided to try cutting off the sleeves.
I must say I am very happy with the result and I keep thinking to myself, why did you almost get rid of it???

Pairing it with my favorite mustard cardigan & Hunter Wellies makes a whole new outfit for Autumn I think. Cream woolen tights & thermal long sleeve top kept me snugly warm.
Oh I almost forgot, I also wore my flower headband :)

Well I hope you are all well & you have a great week.
Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Birds of a feather, flock together

2011-10-30T19:35:00.004Z

Hello people!!
How are we??
Me well, I am sitting on my bed in my PJ's relaxing. Been working on my dissertation so much lately I feel I have neglected you, my sincere apologies for that.

Anyway today Mr Rob & I went out for dinner for his brothers birthday with his folks to Wagamama. I had amazing tofu dish called Amai Udon which has the best & fattest noodles I have ever seen yum!!! I tend to not take pictures of food so here is Mr Rob & I pulling silly faces at each other!! hehehe :)

I wore out a new dress I got last week, I finally gave in and brought it as I had been watching it for weeks. I love the little birds on it, I paired it with my boots of the moment, a navy blazer & rust colored tights.

I have had my boots for about three years & I always loved them so I didn't have the heart to give them away but I hadn't used them much for the last year. I guess that's the best things about keeping things when you stop wearing them, you always come back to old favourites. As my style evolves as it always seems to, the boots are back to being my favourite :)

Have you found anything lately lingering at the back of your wardrobe that you haven't worn in ages? Go pair it with one of your favourite items, you never know it might add a whole new spin to your outfit.

Have a great week :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Grey derss doesn't have to mean a grey day!

2011-10-17T19:14:00.010+01:00

Hi my lovelies :)
Last week was definitely one of those weeks!
My mum was rush to hospital, my dog injured himself and the rest of my time I was working on my dissertation.

Thankfully mum is on the mend and so is Alfie :) I was quite worried for a while but I hid it well and stayed focused to make sure mum felt taken care of.

So Saturday I decided to take some time out and work on a quick reconstruction using an old top and a dress that needed a little........ well perzaz.

I forgot to take a picture of the top but it was kinda trapeze top... is that right word? Well I used the bottom and attached it to the hem which was really quick then I took off the buttons, and replaced them with buttons I had covered using the fabric from the top.

For such a quick project I think it turned out quite well, don't you?

I wore it to work today with my favorite red Cardigan :)

Dress: Gift from my friend
Cardigan: Primark
Tights: I can't remember??
Boots: Oli.... online catalog I don't think it exists anymore?

Well I will try to post again soon dependent on how much work I get on my dissertation.
Have a great week if I don't see you before them.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

What I did & what I wore this weekend

2011-10-09T19:53:00.008+01:00

Happy Sunday All,

I finally remembered to take my camera with me so I could do some outfit pictures this weekend.

Friday I met my friends for Pizza and it was YUM!!!
I wore one of my many dresses, this one was from Portabello Market, it has tiny horses on it :) It has been so chilly in London lately I had to add a underslip and my Mustard Cardigan.

Can you see a pattern, mustard Cardi & Mustard Belt!!! I L.O.V.E Mustard....... the color not the sauce :) (Cardi H&M, Tights M&S and Boots La Redoute.)

Amelie and I work together at present, she comes from Bordeaux in France. Amelie is such a lovely girl, I like my job but I do have some days where I struggle with the commute into central London but she is always there to cheer me up :)

We came straight from work to meet my other Friends Catherine and Alex. I met Catherine at my previous workplace and we have been the best of friends ever since, I have actually asked her to be one of my bridesmaids when I get married next year. :) As soon as we became friends I just knew instantly we would be forever. Catherine has such a kind heart and always have time for all her friends even if she is just listening to them complain....... this includes me unfortunately.

(Please excuse the sleepy picture.. I had got up at 5am that morning)

Alex and I were introduced by Catherine, we have so much in common including our love of dresses and our shoe size; we are forever swapping shoes or other clothes. I am so thankful to have found such a wonderful friend, Alex is kind, creative and a little bit kooky which is awesome as I am too.

Unfortunately Amelie lives across the other side of London so she wasn't able to come for drinks after, so Catherine, Alex and I went for cocktails. I am not a big drinker but I do like the odd Margarita, after our one cocktail we were all so shattered we called it an early night.

Saturday was a forgetful day, as I went out with Mr Rob for Brunch in Chiswick and forgot my camera. We decided to pop in to this very nice french restaurant, it was so authentic it made us feel like we had hopped on the Eurostar to Paris. I had yummy Scrambled Egg & Salmon with a lovely pot of breakfast tea. Mr Rob had yummy butter milk pancakes and syrup.

We browsed around for a bit and although I was very good and didn't buy anything we did decide to get some Gelato which was A-MA-ZING!!! I had two scoops Nocciloa (Hazelnut) & Honeycomb, I don't really recall what Mr Rob had; I must have been preoccupied by my own :)

Today I went to Mr Robs folks for dinner, his mum makes this amazing pasta bake which is all the ingredients for lasagna but super quick to make. She made it just for me because I love it!!!

I wore a vintage 60/70's dress with amazing ribbon detail that I got a couple of months ago from Ebay but I couldn't wear it because 1. it is brushed Nylon so it can only be worn in the chillier months and 2. it was too small.

I paired it with my favorite boots from Schuh & some rust colored tights to match the ribbon, what do you think?

On a side note I recently have lost 10lbs with healthy diet, everything I like in moderation and exercise :) I couldn't have done it without the help and advice of the lovely Candace of Healthy Mama Grubbs and Mama Grubbs Grub. Not only has she done a wonderful job herself to get healthy but she also posts healthy recipes and is always happy to give advice to help everyone else.

Just thought I would give her a little mentions because I can't thank her enough....only 21lbs.

Well I hope you have had a great weekend, enjoy the rest of your day/Evening.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Soo Cool!!! Just had to share!!!!

2011-10-03T18:36:00.002+01:00

Ex-men's shirt as new dress for you from general ink on Vimeo.

I saw this on StawberryKoi blog and I had to share!!! now I need to raid Mr Rob's wardrobe.

I am preparing a cool post, so I'll be back soon.

Ciao for Now

Love Katrina x

London at night in my new Red Velvet Dress

2011-09-24T19:57:00.007+01:00

Good Evening all,
It's already 10pm over here in London, I'm relaxing tonight with a cuppa and catching up with Mad men.I thought I'd post some pictures Mr Rob took last night of me in My new Red Velvet dress. I actually did a post a couple of months ago about the blog A Beautiful Mess and its lovely owner Elsie Larson who also owns the Red Velvet shop.

This is Red Velvet's second dress line, the first was in Spring this year and I loved everyone of them. So I started to save almost immediately as I knew the next line would be just as fabulous and boy I was not wrong!! I picked the Sewing Kit Dress, as I loved the print and as soon as I received I couldn't wait to wear.

We went for a walk around London after dinner last Friday and we noticed how pretty it looked at night so we decide that we would do it again yesterday. I knew straight away I would wear my new dress, I paired it with my favorite boots, mustard cardigan and a high bun.

I met Mr Rob in Piccadilly Circus, but we couldn't find each other at first, I was taking to him on my mobile when he spotted me and he gave me the sweetest compliment. He said I stood out a mile, because you are beautiful & so colorful and everyone is drab.

We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, I am not one for alcohol but I did have a margarita which was yummy. After we walk though Green park in the dark, it was a little spooky but Mr Rob kept me safe :)
We walked down passed Buckingham Palace then up to Big Ben and Mr Rob took some amazing pictures of the bridge, London eye and Big Ben.
It made me see just how wonderful my city is, I would recommend you pay a visit as soon as you can.

Oh I also have some fab news, I recently won a Diana Mini give away at Carrie's blog WishWishWish I can't wait to share the pictures I take...but more on that soon :)

Have a great weekend

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

I wonder if Sausage Dogs, taste like Sausages??

2011-09-22T20:56:00.004+01:00

Hello All!!!
Guess what??? It's Friday tomorrow!!! YAY!!!

I am so glad the weekend is almost here, I haven't felt very well for some reason this week & today I actually came home from work and fell asleep for two hours. I don't know about anyone else but I sleep A LOT when I'm unwell.

I thought I'd do a quick post before I go back to sleep as I still have work tomorrow!! Booo!!!

I was meant to share a post about my new dress but I kept forgetting to take pictures.
I got it from New Look and it is covered in little.... I think... Sausage Dogs, hence my title. hehehe

My lovely friend Cat spotted it and I instantly knew I wanted it. I like how the tights just add a pop of color but not too over whelming, I tried brown tights with it but they just didn't seem to work as well as the burgundy ones I have on.

One of my recent purchases are my Sponge Bob Square Pants (SBSP) Headphones, I wanted a new pair and I decided on Headphones rather than Earphones because they'll double up as ear warmers in the winter. no?

I loved these ones as soon as I saw them, it's actually quite funny I see people looking a them on the tube and they always smile at me. I think there are more SBSP fans out there than I thought.

I am starting to get sleepy again, so off to bed for me.
Have a great evening and I'll be back soon!!

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

Wow has it really been so long since I posted last??

2011-09-20T20:41:00.008+01:00

Hi Guys,
How are we?
Sorry for my absence, kind of lost track of time while working on my dissertation.
How was your weekend?
Autumn is definitely on it's way, it's much chillier in the morning and the leafs have started to fall. Which is really pretty, I can't wait for a trip to Hyde park for some pictures :)

I had taken some pictures when I was out with Mr Rob on Friday but the light wasn't that great.

I think I'll share them anyway :)

I have been trying to get the most out of my wardrobe lately but I soon realized I don't actually own enough shoes, I mean I have many shoes but not many causal shoes so I decided I would buy a pair of converse, but then i popped in to Cath Kidston and purchased a lovely pair of converse type floral pumps :)

I love this dress, it was brought on a whim in a supermarket clothes section last summer. I think it is one of my best purchases ever. It is so comfy & although you can't see inside it has really pretty floral fabric pockets...I know I know i have a floral obsession. :)

I paired it with a pair of bright red tights to tie it together with my mac; my mac was purchased in the Monsoon sale this year. In the UK a Mac is a must, and a pretty one is even better!
I also wore my cute birdy belt that I got last year from Cassieart.

I'll do my best to be back soon, and I hopefully will also have better pictures too!
Anyway have a great week.

Ciao for now my lovelies

Love
Katrina x

Bolgging wiht Dyslexia

2011-09-08T16:24:00.008+01:00

Hi All,

I don't usually do very personal posts but due to some catty comments in the blogger community in regards to spelling & grammar I felt obliged to share with everyone.

The comments were not direct at me at all and I won't share where I read them; I am happy to say it wasn't any of my favorite blogs. It was just one I stumbled upon a few weeks ago.

Dyslexia is one of those disabilities that gets dismissed as someone just being stupid or not trying hard enough. Having Dyslexia growing up was hard and I was called stupid a lot but I worked hard to get where I am and I didn't let my disability define me.

I (almost) have a Masters in Human Resources Management, all that is left is my dissertation, and with the support and understanding from teachers, family and friends I have been able to achieve a lot.

I won't spend the time trying to explain my problems with writing, spelling and grammar but what I will say is when reading my blog if you stumble across mistakes in the text please know I probably don't see them, even though I write all posts in Word first it doesn't always pick up my errors especially when I spell something write but I am using it in the wrong way i.e there & their.

Just remember everyone out there has difficulties with different things and no one has the right to judge them.
My difficulties just happen to be Writing related.

Ciao for now

Love Katrina x

Rainy Days & Wellie Boots

2011-09-07T19:45:00.007+01:00

Hello Lovely People,
How are we? Wet & Cold is what I am experiencing, I think Autumn is starting to creep upon us. Which means I need to get out my suitcase and organize my snugly jumpers.
Now if you follow me on Twitter you would have seen my recent tweet about my new wellie boots & how much I love them.
They are bright Red Hunter Wellies, which are so comfy to walk in I really can't explain how wonderful they are. I understand why they are so popular!

Yesterday it absolutely rained Cats & Dogs, (I don't actually know where that saying came from but I like it). In a nutshell it rained ALOT! I decided to wear my new wellies to work. They did make me a tad warm on the train but I was so thankful to have them when I finally got to the station.

Although it was hammering down all day, but the time I got off the train to start my walk home it had stopped so I asked Mr Rob to meet me so he could take some pictures to share with you all. On my way to meet him I was splashing & sploshing in puddles. Yes I know I am nearly 30 so some people might think I shouldn't be doing that but you know what I don't care because it was fun.

Just like singing into my hair brush while listening to music or my Saturday morning coco pops & watching Phineas & Ferb on the Disney Channel. Don't get me wrong, I am mature when I need to be but that's it. Life is to short to spend your time worrying what people think, hence jumping in puddles completely on my own. :)

Anyway back to my first train of thought, I love my wellies because they integrated so well with the rest of my wardrobe. Oh and don't you just love my brolly?? Mr Rob got it last Christmas for me, it has all London stuff on it including Big Ben & Buckingham Palace.

My hair was a tad fluffy because of the rain, I am so glad I decided not straighten it, what a waste that would have been with all the moister in the air.

My Outfit consisted of:

Coat: Monsoon
Dress: Very Very old Levi's
Blouse (Which you can just about see): Marks & Spencer
Boots: Hunters
Bag & Brolly: Cath Kidston.

I hope your enjoying your week so far.

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

The day we went to Brighton

2011-08-28T21:14:00.000+01:00

Hello All,
How are we?
Me? Well I am shattered!!! As I mentioned in my previous post, Mr Rob & I decided to celebrate our 7th Anniversary by taking a trip to Brighton for the day yesterday.

Our train was scheduled to leave Victoria at 8.36 am so I got up at 5.30 am, which actually is a little later than what time I get up for work, I got ready while Mr Rob Snoozed until I jumped on him at 6.15. Shouting HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! :) hehehe

Although I am used to early starts a large coffee is always needed, so we made our way to the station, picked up breakfast, coffee and reading materials then we were on our way.

The train ride was super fast and we were in Brighton by 9.30 am, as we made our way down to the seafront we stumbled upon a little market where I picked up the sweetest patch & two broaches for £1 each!!
There will be a post which follows using these, but for now I shall keep it as a secret :)

There were so many beautiful shops full of trinkets and souvenirs, I got a few cute post cards with old adverts on them to add to my collection. I also went into Cath Kidston, there were so many things I wanted to buy but as I already have many items I didn't want to look like a walking advertisement :)

We went on to the beach and Mr Rob took some amazing pictures while I laid in the sun. We were so lucky, we had amazing weather there was only one short shower and it was warm all day.

We then made our way down to the pier, because you can't go to Brighton and not go to the peer right. It was beautifully tacky and full of some awesome but expensive fair ground rides!
There were loads of places to eat but we decided to make our way back in to land where we had ... you guessed it, Fish & Chips in a lovely pub which over looked the sea.

The day was just the best way to spend our 7th Anniversary. I can't believe next year will be the last Anniversary we will spend as a unmarried couple. I think we will still celebrate it because even when we reach our 10th Wedding Anniversary we will have been together 18 years.

I did have to swap to my boots instead of my new work shoes and I am glad I did because the amount of walking we did would not have been fun in new shoes.

Well I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend so far, I am so glad it is a bank holiday tomorrow just so I can rest before going back to work.

Ciao for now.

Love
Katrina x

Preperation for Our 7th Annivesary + Instagram pics

2011-08-24T21:02:00.002+01:00

Hi People,

Hows your week been?
I am finally off work YAY!!! It's only for six days but boy did I need a break!

Well as the title states it is Mr Rob's & Mine 7th Year Anniversary very soon, Saturday to be exact :)
I have booked tickets for a day trip to Brighton, and I have got a new outfit especially for the occasion.

I needed a new pair of work shoes and I was planning to get these ones from Office but today I saw a pair when I was out with my sister and I loved them also there are real leather and £38 pounds cheaper. Now that's what I call a bargain.

Then I saw these shorts in the sale for £10, you can't really tell from the picture I took but they are green. I like them because they have a flare to them so the complement my thighs, unfortunately I don't think fitted short look so great on me.

Then low an behold I saw this top, I have previously seen it on The Magpie Girl blog but I couldn't see where Vicki had found it. I may have just been having a moment :)
So today when I saw it in Dorthy Perkins I just had to get it, I love the little birdies on it!!!

I think I might ask my sister if I can borrow her cardigan too, I am sure a outfit post will follow.
Well enjoy the rest of your day/evening :)

Ciao for now
Love Katrina x

Happy Birthday Spec

2011-08-24T20:58:00.003+01:00

Hello All,
There will be two posts today, this one will be short and sweet.
It is simply to wish my sister Spectacular Spec a very Happy Birthday :)
I love you :)

Ciao for now!!
Katrina x

1970's revisited & restyled

2011-08-21T18:51:00.006+01:00

Hey people,

I can't believe it is Sunday night already, I have just finished making tomorrows breakfast smoothy, Banana & Peanut....yum!!! :) and lunch which is Moroccan chicken salad with peppers & Cous Cous.

I now need to decide what to wear, I try to iron what I need for a working week every Sunday night. As I am only working Monday & Tuesday yay!!! So I am being lazy and leaving it till the morning :)

Today we went for lunch as Mr Robs folks we had yummy sea food salad, and I wore a dress I got from a carboot sale for £1!! When I got it my family were not impressed, it is from 70's and the seller had kept a suitcase full of 70's clothes in her loft.

I was lucky to get this as she had nearly sold out, shows Greenford has a some stylish girlies :)
I decided to take it up as it was a little long, I really like how it turned out.

I have wore it a few times so far and I adore the sleeves they are see thought with pretty ring like ribbons on it. Oh I forgot to add purple is my favourite colour.

Today's Outfit

Dress: Carboot
Belt: New Look
Boots: Ebay

Well I hope you have had a great weekend, see you all soon
Ciao for now

Love
Katrina x

A Few of My Favourite Things - Episode 6

2011-08-20T23:10:00.001+01:00

Hi my lovelies,
How are we?

Today has whizzed by hasn't it?
I went for lunch with some girly friends today which was followed by some retail therapy.
Although we went into many shops I wasn't really inspired, the colours this season are lovely but the fabrics leave a lot to be desired.

I did get a dress which I will do a post about when I wear it this week, I just want to change the buttons. It has the cutest print on it. Which I totally meant I broke my new years resolution of no new items for a year. I am not going to worry though it has been 7 months and I have kept true to it, minus a monsoon dress I brought and then felt so guilty I took it back. :)

Anyway when I got home... ok after my nap I was looking around online and I came a cross some pretty things I wanted to share.

I actually first saw the satchel when I was out on Friday but I was seeing if I could get it cheaper online. Alas no but it is still super cute.

I then came across this jumper at ASOS, horse print and Mustard together, it's like a dream come true :)

I then saw this at Chelseadoll which I thought was really cool, being a armature dress maker I love sewing inspired accessories. This one would be great to add to my collection :)

Last but not least this dress is from Anthropology and I L.O.V.E it, I actually saw in in the store and I fell head over heels instantly. I wish I could justify the price tag but as I am saving for my wedding I just can't.

Anyway that's me done, what pretty things have you stumbled upon this weekend?

Take care
Ciao for now

Katrina x

When Spec came to Visit

2011-08-19T21:47:00.013+01:00

Hello All,
I am soooooo glad it's Friday, it's been a very busy week for me.
Next week is going to be so much better as I am only working Monday & Tuesday :) YAY!!!

Today My lovely sister Spec and Mr Rob met me after work and we went for dinner at Ed's diner, which does the most amazing shakes!!!

I had peanut butter shake and Spec & Mr Rob had Baileys and Oreo and I must say although I tried theirs mine was LOVELY!!!

Ed's diner is an awesome 50'd style diner with working Juke boxes next to each table, full of really cool music & how cool was this sign on the wall?

We had a little walk around London and visited M&M world which was cool for like 5minutes, until someone dressed as an M&M came along. I don't really like people dressed up.

As I get up at stupid o'clock I was feeling tired so we made our way home a little earlier that expected. Spec is so funny we laughed so much on the train at one point I thought I was going to pee my pants.

I miss her living at home and it is so nice when we get the chance to hang out.

As Mr Rob had the camera, I only managed to get one of him, but here is the one I did get. He is so pretty :)

Today was one of the rare days where I threw on my jeans, I love dress down Fridays. I think I need a few days to relax and catch up on my sewing, so next week can't get here quicker for me.

Today's Outfit

Cardigan: H&M
Top: Cath Kidston
Jeans: No idea
Boots: Dr Martins

Well have a great week and I'll be back soon.

Ciao for now
Katrina x

The Bicycle & The Acorn

2011-08-15T20:51:00.013+01:00

Hello All,
How are we??
I can't believe it is Monday already, the weekend was over in a flash. Not to worry though I have six glorious days off next week and I haven't got anything plan as yet. Ohhh the possibilities :)

What do you think of the new header, I wanted something new but something that still went with the patch work background. I picked the picture below but I felt it was a little bright so with a little bit of editing here and there and I think it fits in well.

This weekend was started off with Dinner at Franco Manca, with the lovely Emily, it was really nice to get to know each other and we found out we had many things in common, like needing our desk at work to be extra clean!
The food was delicious stone baked pizza's Mmmmmm, I should have taken pictures!

Saturday provided the inspiration for my title, as I purchased the cutest new pendent from Primark for on £2 what a bargain!! I think it goes very well with my bicycle necklace too :)
I love accessories because they make a outfit look entirely different.

Speaking of accessories, can we count shoes in that? I guess not but I am in the midst of looking for a new pair of work shoes, preferable brown loafer types.
I have seem these at Office and I think they could be quite a good addition to my wardrobe.
Sunday was quite slow, it was my dads birthday and he never wants to do much, so it was as always a Sunday roast followed by an afternoon nap, which is always enjoyable :)

I have many posts in the pipe line, so maybe I'll use my days off for that, or looking for fabric for new projects either way I am sure I'll have plenty more to share next week.

Ciao for now

Katrina x

All These Things by Circle Maybe

2011-08-09T14:26:00.006+01:00

Hi Lovelies,
I am attempting to keep away from some Social Media at the moment, mostly twitter and Facebook because of the riots. So sorry if i am a little bit more aloof than usual.
They have come quite close to where I live which is very scary, I can't even imagine how the people in the middle of it are feeling.

So in the interest of trying to forget about it all I thought I would tell you I recently stumbled across Tieka's Blog, Selective Potential and I am so glad I did because she is in a band called Circle Maybe, which has a really cool sound.
They have just completed an album called All These Things and I wanted to share one of the songs with you called This Moment because I really like it.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://circlemaybe.bandcamp.com/track/this-moment"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;This Moment by Circle Maybe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Enjoy :)

Ciao for now
Katrina x

P.S For those in London at the moment stay safe.

Hey Mum, look what I made :)

2011-08-07T16:50:00.003+01:00

Hello all,

What have we been up to this weekend?
Me well, I went to a friends BBQ yesterday, it was really fun and the weather cooperated mostly; still a little chilly though.
Last weekend I purchased some lovely owl print fabric from Wallingford. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted a skirt so yesterday I also did some sewing. I used a really simple pattern/tutorial over at Freshly Picked, I love how easily I was able to whip up the skirt.

By the time I get to hemming an item I get impatient so I was particularly please with how the hem turned out when I used a technique I was taught in my dressmaking class. I think it looks very tidy...for a change :)

I decided to use some plan mustard fabric for the pockets, have I told you before I loveeeee the color mustard :)

I have also been reading The Thirty-nine Steps by John Buchan, I had heard it is a really good play and as I found it in a bookshop near work for £1.

I like to have a book to read on my commute, so I am always searching for ones I haven't read before. At the moment I am trying to read more classics, so I also got Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray and Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace for a £1 each; a bargain I must say.

Today's Outfit
Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: Topshop
Skirt: Made by me :)
Boots: Ebay

On the topic of making things, Cait over at Wayward Daughter is debuting her first collection. So big congratulations to Cait, pop over and have a look the dresses are bautiful.

Well I hope your having a great weekend.

Ciao for now
Katrina x

A Few of my Favorite Things - Episode 5

2011-08-05T21:00:00.001+01:00

Hello people,
It is that time again, Few of my Favorite Things post is back.

I don't know if any of my followers have seen Cath Kidston's Autumn selection but I love it!!! So today's Few of my Favorite things post is going to be completely full of all of the things I love for the new selection.

Ok first its not actually the items it's the new model they have used, she is a really pretty redhead!! Her hair makes me miss my curls, so I think I'll be wearing it naturally rather than straightening it this week.

So on to the items, this season they have created a vintage inspired 40's tea dress, I have actually seen it in my local store and I must say the material is beautiful. As I am still working not buying new clothes I won't be getting it...cue sad face :(
However If I could I really would.

Next is this lovely cardigan,I love the preppy look, I have had a look at my wardrobe and I do have a Grey jumper that I could add patches to. I think I am going to start looking for some pretty patches to add to mine.
And finally this saddle bag, I love the print and the color.
I already have two bags by Cath Kidston but a girl can never have too many bags right?? :)

I definitely think you should take a look.

Have a great weekend :)

Ciao for Now
Katrina x

Impromptu Blackberry Picking is always a Good Idea

2011-08-03T20:02:00.007+01:00

Hello my Lovelies,
S'up?? hehehe

So as you can tell from the title, today involved an impromptu blackberry picking moment on my way home.

I get two trains from central London then I have a 20 minute walk home, Mr Rob sometimes meets me half way and we take the scenic route pass the canal home.
On my way home today I got a Mint Milkshake from Cafe Nero which was so yummy!!! I think while it is hot it will be my drink of choice.

As we walked I decided to use my empty cup to collect blackberries, I wasn't quite sure what I use them for as I was picking them but I have decided to make a blackberry and apple crumble or cobbler as my US readers call it over the weekend.

Anyway as Mr Rob had his camera he took some pictures, and I thought I would use them for a post, he takes really awesome pictures :)

Today's Outfit
Cardigan: New Look
Top: Tesco
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Clarkes

Well I hope you have had a great day, the weekend is now only two days away!!!! Yay!!

Ciao for now
Katrina x

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.

2011-08-02T21:19:00.005+01:00

Hello friends,
How are we? If your in the UK I am sure your baking just like me & if your anywhere else you probably thinking stop complaining 25 degrees that's mild. :)

Being a red head I don't really enjoy the heat, I am like a vampire, keeping in the shade as much as possible due to my fear of burning. hehehe. Unfortunately I have not been at the seaside I have been stuck at my desk in a rather stuffy office. Just a side note no matter how much air conditioning there is, to me it is still stuffy.

So anyway due to this i decided to create the illusion of being at the seaside by wearing this dress today, it is one of my favorite summer dresses and when I pack it away each winter I seem to forget I have it. Then when summer comes round again I open my suitcase and I get excited to see it again, it's like getting a new dress every time.

Anyway I decided to sit in the garden for a bit this evening and I thought it would be a nice setting to take some outfit pictures so I asked Mr Rob who obliged as always, little did we know my dog Alfred had other plans. Which was funny because usually if you bring out a camera he hides, he's a very complex dog :)

As soon as I sat back down he was jumping all over me, and trying to lick me, he is a very loving dog and wants attention all the time especially from me so please forgive me that there is only one or two actual photos where you can see my outfit properly.

I don't know if you noticed but I colored my hair yesterday, I decided on a whim to do it and I am not sure if I like it??? At least it is only a few shades darker than my natural color so it'll fade back soon.
What do you think?

Today's outfit

Hat: Urban Outfitters
Dress: TK Maxx
Cardigan: New Look

Well I am going to take a nice cold shower or 10.
Have a great evening and I'll be back soon.

Ciao for now

Katrina x

A Wander down to Wallingford

2011-07-30T21:45:00.006+01:00

Well Hello there,
Wow I can't believe I haven't posted anything for a week!

How are we today?
I am in a jolly mood as I have just come back from a visit with Trish, who is like a mother to me. I have a great relationship with my actual mother I am just fortunate to have Trish too.

It was a lovely day to visit the sun was out and it was actually a little hotter than I expected. Mr Rob and I got on the train and it was a funny old journey indeed, Rob was taking numerous funny photo's, he had me giggling loads.

I took this picture of my lovely Mr Rob on the way back, I think he is so handsome, I just had to share it.

We had to make a change at Slough and we saw this poster which I thought was really cool, I can't remember what detergent it was but I was impressed at the use of socks.

I have known Trish for 23 years and I am so thankful to have her. Trish is always there for me whenever I need her, she always supports and encourages me in whatever I chose to do. Mr Rob and I hope one day we may be able to live in Wallingford or one of the surrounding villages. It would be fantastic to live down the road from her.

We took a walk down the river to the bridge which was so nice, there were dogs and people paddling in it. I was amazed how many dogs were swimming around it was a lovely site to see.

As I am sure you are aware when it is a hot day ice cream is a must. I had lovely mint choc chip which I ate while we sat outside a little cafe and people watched for a bit. Rob didn't take many pictures in Wallingford so I have 'borrowed' a couple from the official website.

Well I hope you have had a great week and weekend so far.
Enjoy the rest of it and I hope to be back soon with some projects I am half way though.

Recently I seem to start something and just move on to the next before I finish I really must focus on finishing some to share.

Today's Outfit
Cardigan & Bicycle Necklace - eBay
T-Shirt - Primark
Skirt & Belt - M&S
Shoes Clarks
Bag - Cath Kidston

Ciao for now!!!

Katrina x

Not so sunny Saturday

2011-07-26T19:03:00.010+01:00

Ello Peeps,

Am I cool enough to say peeps?? I am not sure but I have said it now!! hehehe :)

So Saturday I went into central London with Mr Rob for a bit of browsing, it was very busy so we had a quick stop in Liberty's to have a look at the fabric which although it is a little pricey I did treat myself to just enough for a simple skirt as it was so cute .
It's not a great photo but what do you think?

We then wondered down to Anthropology which was my first visit... mostly because I couldn't seem to find it on my own. Mr Rob whipped out his Iphone 4 and found it in a jiffy.
I must have spent about an hour in there looking at every item, or so Mr Rob thought I did. I purchased this lovely new Mug can you guess what the K stands for? hehehe :)

We then had a stroll down to Marks & Sparks where we picked up some Watermelon & Mango fruit packs and then we sat in Green park to munch them. I love Watermelon and Mr Rob loves Mango so it worked really well :)

I love the collar on the dress I wore and the colors match so well with my favorite knitted cardigan. I think I have three or four pieces of Mustard knit wear which is helpful because even though it is July it still can have quite a chill in the air when the sun goes in...hence my title.

I also wore my new bicycle necklace which I have worn everyday since I got it :)

Dress: eBay
Cardigan: H&M
Belt: Thrifted
Necklace: eBay

Well that's enough about me, I hope you had a good weekend and your week is just as great.

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Race for Life 2011

2011-07-21T14:50:00.008+01:00

Hi Guys,

So as I said in my last post, I took part in the Race for Life on Sunday.
It was a very soggy day, at one point it was like a monsoon but I kept going with the encouragement of my collage Reena.

We walked for a bit then jogged and walked then jogged and walked... you get the idea :).
All in all it took us 43 minutes, not bad I say for my first Race for Life.

We raised £422.00 which is 41% more than out £300 target and I plan to do it again next year :)

Here is a picture of a soggy me with my medal :)

I hope your having a great week, I have a follow up post on my Summer bag project that I will put up shortly, its almost finished.

Anyway Ciao for now my lovely readers.

Katrina x

Made by Yours Truely

2011-07-17T08:00:00.002+01:00

HI :)

I am so glad to be finally showing you the dress I made!!!
I have made items in the past but but in the last year I had lost my momentum with it all so I decided to do a dress making course to fire me up again and it sure did.

I wore it out with Mr Rob the other day, he is really getting into his photography at the moment which means he is taking my pictures LOADS sometimes when I don't want him to; but he did take some cool pictures.

In the class we were taught how to draft a pattern based on our own measurements and we made alternations to it to make the style we wanted.

I am a little heaver on the hips so I wanted a bit of a flare, and I am obsessed with pockets so I incorporated them in to the design.

I picked the fabric because it reminded me of a 70's print and also purple is my favorite colour. I love how well purple and mustard go together, I matched it with my favorite boots and belt and I quite like the outfit.

I did wear it once before with turquoise tights but I think the purple look better.

I have started making two other dresses one from the same patteren as this and another using a different purchased pattern.
I just wondered if my readers would prefer a step by set account of the dresses I make or just the finished product.

I am also working on a "How To" of my hairstyle as promised.

I am off to do my 5k race (or rather walk, I hate running) for life this morning. Wish me luck!!!
If you'd like to sponsor me my page is HRHENS, Pictures will follow I am sure :)

Have a great day.
Ciao for now

Katrina x

Dramarama - Anything Anything

2011-07-16T21:23:00.001+01:00

This is an AWESOME song, just had to share :)

A Few of My Favorite Things - Episode 4

2011-07-16T12:09:00.011+01:00

Hello All,
How are we today?

It's time for a Few of my Favorite things post again, to start us off this time it has to be my friends, I haven't seen them as much as I would like lately but as I have some time off next week I will hopefully squeeze in some visits in between looking after my nieces.

Another favorite thing of mine is TEA, I L.O.V.E Tea!!!!!
PJ Tips is my favorite choice, I find it very difficult to go even an hour without one :)
There is something so comforting about tea, it always seems to make me feel exactly how I want to. When I'm thirsty it refreshes me, when I am cold it warms me up and when I am sad it makes me feel better.
So here is a big YAY for tea :)

The next has too be Mr Rob's Photography, he is so talented with his camera. He takes all my pictures as I have said before and he has finally set up his on tumblr page The Blog Mr Rob. It makes me smile for several reasons one because he used Mr Rob and I call him that. Also he'll be able to share pictures he takes, like the one below :)

Anyway that's my favorite things for today, I will be spending the weekend sewing, reading and drinking tea because it is pouring with rain outside.

I hope you have a great day.

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

This Week I'll Be Mostly Reading :)

2011-07-12T19:12:00.007+01:00

Hi people how are we?

Me, well I am feeling a little sorry for myself :(
I seem to have a trapped nerve in my neck and it is causing me quite a bit of pain. I am off work next week so I am just mustering on but this may be a slow blogging week for me.

Ok moan over, the reason for this post was I wanted to share a really cool book I found, I don't normally buy these kinds of books but when I saw the Style Yourself featuring 95 international fashion bloggers I decided to get it. It arrived today and although I haven't finished it completely I just had to share.

I love getting inspiration for outfits from the many sites I follow and this books definitely gives lots. There are aspects relating to specific styles and a breakdown the many of types of Dresses, Jackets and other items in your wardrobe. It also has some really cool ideas on remixing certain items and a break down on wardrobe basics every girl should have.

My favourite thing about fashion blogs is the ability to pick & chose ideas and remix them into my own style to make them more me and with so many different bloggers in this book it has introduced me to LOADS more!! :)

Anyway I definitely recommend you have a read and if you'd like to get to know the main contributor Jane Aldridge a little better you can find her at her blog Sea of Shoes which I must say is an awesome blog :)

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

A Few of my Favourite Things - Episode 3

2011-07-08T09:00:00.003+01:00

Good day to all that read my blog :)

I realised last night I didn't do a Few of my Favourite Things posts last week, which is odd as I have many favourite things.

My obsession this week is Peter Pan Collars, I just love them and I keep wanting to add the to all my outfits. I think I am going to have to make one that I can use with all my dresses.
There is a really great tutorial on the Wayward Daughter Blog about how to make your own. I'll give it a try and report back.
Another favourite is finding new blogs to read, I particularly like finding ones that inspire me whether it is with my sewing or fashion. I am finding I have got so many to catch up on that I don't get through them all in one sitting. Do you have that problem too?
This is just one of the many I have stumbled upon recently.

Instergram, I am loving it at the moment, I have been taking random pictures of things and messing about with the way they look. I love the picture I took of my DM's which have floral laces.My last favourite thing for this week is this amazing tutorial for a Pom Pom scarf by Miss James of Bleubird Vintage. It is just so cool I love the colours and I plan to add it to my already long To Make list.

Well have a great weekend.

Ciao for now.
Katrina x

Floral Skirts are my Favourite

2011-07-07T20:44:00.010+01:00

Hello my dears,
Can you believe it is almost Friday already? Hasn't it gone quickly!

The weather isn't going to be great this weekend so I think I will stay in and do some sewing. Now I am not sure if I told you but I have been doing a sewing course for the last ten weeks and the dress I designed is almost finished, just the hemming left :)
I can't wait to show you and I'll follow up with a post all about it soon.

So for now (it's a little bit late) this is what I wore to work on... Monday I think?

I am constantly wearing my hair like this at the moment, when travelling in the morning by tube I get so warm I need my hair up off my neck and as it is not much cooler in the office it just makes sense to keep it up.

I was thinking about doing a tutorial on how to do it, is that something you would like to see on here?
I got the skirt in a charity shop for £1... bargain right? Then I took it up about 6inches but I think It needs a little bit more. What do you think?

My top is from Topshop, the pictures don't really do it justice but it is tiered and it's embroidered. I'll have to get more of a close up.
I love the little Peter Pan collar, and have developed quite an obsession for them as of late.

and of course my boots of the moment from EBay.

Here are some lady bugs, just because :)

It is so difficult at the moment to get outfit pictures done because I leave the house at 6.30 to get to work and then by them time I get home I am feeling all gross I just want to jump in the shower. I will try to do more.

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

National Kissing Day

2011-07-06T14:54:00.003+01:00

Hello All,
Did you know it is National Kissing Day today, I have been giving out many:
1. My Mum
2. My Dad
3. My niece Macey
4. My niece Evie
5. My dog Alfie
6. My Mr Rob

Who have you been kissing today?

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

My Blog of The Week - A Beautiful Mess

2011-07-04T12:48:00.006+01:00

Hi My lovelies!!!
I hope you are all well and your day has been fabulous so far :)

So my Blog of the week is....

This is the blog the of the ever inspiring Elsie Larson (formerly Elsie Flannigan), I stumbled across her blog one day and I have been hooked ever since.

There are so many cool aspects of her blog and I could do a 400 page post about all the things I love so here is just a few.

Firstly her Outfits posts, she has the most amazing clothes!!! Well...she does own a vintage dress shop.. how could she not. right?
Every time I see a new Outfit post it inspires me to use my clothes in so many ways. I just love this dress she's wearing, it makes me think mmmhhh what do I own that remotely resembles it?

One of my other favorites is the Makeover Story, Elsie takes girls who need a little bit of help in expressing themselves with their style and makes them over. She helps them pick out outfits and she also does their hair and make up, My favorite Hairstyle is the one in the picture below, if you click on it it will take you to Elsie's how to guide.

Next is the project restyle, which is a collection of other bloggers who take all different kind of items and restyle them. This one was one of my favorite a mans shirts into a skirt, I am raiding my dad's wardrobe as we speak :)

Elsie also offers the most amazing E-Courses, once I have finished my dissertation I will most definitely taking her Dream Job course, If it is still available. Finger Crossed :)

Last but by no means least is Elsie's DIY projects, as I am planning my wedding at present it is really helpful that Elise who has just had the most amazing self styled and created wedding which she has followed up with DIY's.
I love the bouquet's Elsie and her Bridesmaids put together, I can't wait to make my own :)

So that's A Beautiful Mess, I would like to say a big thank you to Elsie for all her inspiration.
Why don't you go take a peek. I bet you become as hooked as me :)

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

New Project - New Summer Bag

2011-07-03T20:10:00.010+01:00

Hi All,
So what have you been up to this weekend?
I am sure my America readers are having a great long weekend with Independence Day tomorrow.

HAPPY 4th JULY!!!!

So this weekend I have been working on some projects, and I thought I would share my progress, I am covering a bag that Mr Rob's mum gave to me.

The original covering needed some updating so I started by taking off the handles, unpicking the lining, removing the sequins.... yes gold sequins on a green bag (this is why it needed updating) and then finally I was able to take the fabric off.

I have picked the fabric to cover it; I just have to pop along to Cath Kidston to get it sometime in the next week or so :)

Once I have that I'll use the old fabric as a template and I'll do a follow up post showing how I put it all together.

What have you guys been up too?

Have a great week.

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Well Helllooooo Betty!!!

2011-06-30T22:15:00.006+01:00

Hi My lovelies,
I hope you are all looking forward to the weekend, especially my American friends who have a extra long Independence Weekend. Happy 4th July to you all :)

This is just a quick post so that I can tell you I am firmly jumping on the Betty Ban wagon.
If you haven't already heard of Betty it is an online magazine which I could not recommend more!!!

I am not even going to ruin the surprise and tell you what to expect just pop along and have a read yourself.

Trust me not only will you be hooked you'll get everyone else around you hooked too!!! I can't wait for the Autumn addition!!!

Oh I almost forgot I have some up coming posts the weekend, so enjoy :)

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Macey and Trina's Fun Day Out

2011-06-26T18:07:00.006+01:00

Happy Sunday All,

I hope you having a lovely weekend so far, I have and thankfully although I am back to work tomorrow it doesn't feel like this weekend was as short as the last.

So what have up been up to? Well yesterday I had a day out with my niece Macey, it was just me and her so it was an extra girly day of shopping, chatting and yummy food :)

It was quite cute because when her mum dropped her over we both had polka dot coats and pearl earrings on, not to mention our hairstyles were the similar.

I took her to Portabello Market in London which was astonishingly busy, but she was just happy to be out with her auntie Trina and held on tight to my hand at all times.

We shared dough balls and Margaretta pizza for lunch then we made our way though the market to the Humming Bird Bakery where Macey had a vanilla and chocolate cup cake and I had a red velvet cupcake for dessert.
I wasn't able to take many pictures other than a few on my iPhone, due to firstly the crowd and secondly I was far to busy keeping an eye on Macey.

We made our way through the market looking at the stalls as we went down to Cath Kidston where Macey got the cutest bag and I got a apron both were in the sale. YAY :)

We then decided to stop for a drink as it was quite a warm day and then a bit more browsing which included me educating Macey in a Vintage dress shop how to spot really vintage clothing....well you have to start them young. Right? :)

By about 4pm we were both a little hungry again so we stopped for a Nutella filled crepe and then made our way back to the station to catch our train home.

We both had a lovely day and I can't wait to do it again, I just love my niece ever so much.

Today has mostly been full of chores, washing, cleaning and mending some things I have been putting off, but overall it has been both a fun and relaxing weekend.

How was yours?

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

A Few of My Favorite Things - Episode 2

2011-06-24T07:56:00.003+01:00

Howdy All,
Well it's Friday again and I am really hoping that this weekend is a little slower than the last. I haven't been much of a blogger this week, sorry about that. I hope next week will be different, I do have some posts planned.

So as it is Friday I thought I would do another A Few of My Favorite Things post, so to start it off my Favourite Band of all time, Bush.
I have loved them for..............one minute just calculating.............glup 16 years!!!

For those who have not heard of them Bush are a British band formed in Shepards Bush, London. The vocalist/guitarist Gavin Rossdale is Married to Gwen Stefanie of the Band No Doubt.
The band separated in 2002 but began work on a new album, the Sea of Memories in 2010 which is due for release in September 2011. I really hope it lives up to the older work because I'll be super disappointed if it doesn't.

The next thing on this weeks list is something I know will be on a lot of my followers list if they have one and that is afternoon tea.

Next is Afternoon tea, there is tea, sandwiches, scones and cake what more could you ask for? I plan to make a cake this weekend, but don't hold me to that as I have a million and one things planned. If I do I'll definitely have a it with a good old mug of PG Tips.

Next on this weeks list is my puppy or not so much a puppy anymore Alfred, I have neglected him a little this week and I plan to have may cuddles over the weekend to make up for it.

Pretty Dresses, Oh wait weren't they on last weeks list I hear you shout. Yes, yes they were but I love them so much I am not sure I could ever exclude them from my list. This is the dress I am loving the most this week, she is so pretty I want to buy her but I think I'll wait for the sale :)

Last but by no means least books or more specifically reading, this week I have decided to read Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy.

I had it on tape when I was younger and I loved it, I would listen to it over and over. If you haven't read it I would defiantly recommend you did.

Well happy Friday and have a great weekend.

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

The quickest weekend that ever was.

2011-06-19T17:29:00.011+01:00

Hello All,
I hope you have had a great weekend :)
Hasn't it passed so quickly? Already 6pm, I need to organize my work clothes for tomorrow.

Last night I was absolutely exhausted from babysitting my nieces, Evie has had an upset tummy and that means she was not a happy girl.
We had some tears and some laughs, but after some milk, three nappy changes and some hysterical crying she finally fell asleep.

(Isn't she cute when she's quite)

Macey was a star she helped fetch things for me and even made me a drink, it was so strange because I remember her when she was 5 months and now she is all grown up.

Today was Macey's belated 9th birthday BBQ and although the weather did not co operate we had a fab time anyway opting to eat our burgers in the lounge instead.

Due to the rain I still haven't been able to get out to shots for outfit posts but as I have been dying to show you my new glasses and boots I got Mr Rob to take a couple indoors.

The scenery isn't much, just my boring bedroom wall which I am in the midst of looking for a picture for. I wore tights today because it is so chilly in London at the moment, you wouldn't think we were in the middle of June based on the weather we have been having lately.

I got my glasses last week and I love them, Mr Rob wasn't sure at first but they have grown on him. What do you think?

Here's a close up of my lovely boots, they are so comfy.

I got them from EBay and they are the softest leather I have ever felt. I have been pairing them with all my outfits so far, which speaking of outfits I have completely sorted out my wardrobe. Isn't amazing when you do a big clear out you find things you forgot you even had, I found some summer dresses hidden away under a winter coat. It's like going shopping without spending money, they will definitely be featuring in a future Outfit post.

Also this weekend my new bike arrived and the fabulous Mr Rob put it together for me yesterday so this week I plan to do a post on her. I won't give to much away but she is BEAUTIFUL :)

Dress: George @ ASDA
Cardigan: Primark
Belt & Tights: New Look
Boots: Schuh via Ebay
Necklace: SunPac USA

Well I hope you have a great week.
Take Care, Ciao for now.

Katrina x

A Few of My Favorite Things - Episode 1

2011-06-17T11:11:00.001+01:00

Hello People,
I don't know about you but I cannot believe it is Friday already!!!
After two weekends in a row of being poorly I have decided that even if I lose a limb it will not stop me from going outside, so this weekend I plan to do the following:

1. Go for a long walk/bike ride on Saturday with Mr Rob (I am waiting for the delivery of my new very pretty bike, fingers crossed it is delivered this weekend)
2. Saturday night I will be babysitting the not so terrible two, My nieces Macey and Evie.
3. Sunday I will be enjoying aa indoor/outdoor BBQ to celebrate Macey's 9th Birthday. We couldn't have it last weekend as she was out with friends which was ok because it rained and I was poorly but we decided that even if it rains this weekend we will be having it inside.

Anyway let me get back to the topic line, please let me introduce you to a regular post I plan to do called A Few of my Favorite things.
There are soooo many things I stumble across when surfing the wave that is the internet which I want to share with you, it may be a blog or a picture or just general randomness that is me, so here it goes.

A Few of My Favorite Things

1. Rainbows, with all rain we have had recently the rainbows have been out in force and how can they not be one of my favorite things? One day I will see if I can find the pot of gold :)

2. Pretty dresses, I have entred the give away on Kristina J's blog. I hope I win I have been completely obsessed with finding a similar dress since she Anthrtopologized this dress from Target. It sucks we don't have target in the UK!!! Grumble Grumble.

3. Crochet Blankets, I wish I had better hand and eye coordination then I could knit or Crochet but no matter how hard I try I can not seem to master either on of the two. That said I wont stop trying :). Check out the cool Tutorial Amber has done on Granny squares.

4. Bicycle Rides, with my new bike on it's way I keep day dreaming of the bike rides I will take this summer. There are so many pretty bikes on the market it is so easy to get excited, Mr Rob has purchased one not only in the style that I liked but in a price range we could afford. I won't spoil the fun of doing a post on it once it arrives, so for now check out this beauty :)

5. Bed, I love weekends because it means I don't have to get out of bed if I don't feel like it, however I am normally up by 8am. Knowing you don't have to get up is relaxing and when I do get up I feel ready to start the day. It is always harder to get up for work because although I enjoy my job I would much rather stay in my warm cozy bed. Not that the picture below is my bed, I just think it looks so lovely :)

(I can't find the link for this picture, sorry)

Well I hope you have a very enjoyable weekend :)
Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Mr Rob and I

2011-06-15T22:36:00.003+01:00

Hello All,
Now from time to time I am sure you have heard me refer to my fiancé Mr Rob, he is my live in photographer and tea maker :)

(Mr Rob & I after about 3mths of dating)

I always am intrigued when people talk about how they met and how they became a couple so I thought I would write a post about exactly that.

(Mr Rob & I after 2 yrs of dating)

Roberto and I met when we were both working at our local supermarket while studying at university, I had taken 6 months out and I worked overtime on the grocery department and Mr Rob was on the Bread & Cakes department.

I had seen Mr Rob around but we never really spoke to each other as at that time I had been on checkouts, so it was a surprise when I was standing talking to a manager with one head phone in after work and he came over took it out to see what I was listening to. He promptly laughed and pointed out I still used a Walkman in 2004 and not a CD player, to which I responded I break stuff so a Walkman is safer. He has since told me he thought I was a little weird but in a good way :)

(Mr Rob & I after 3 yrs of dating)

So after a few encounters one being where a push a tall stock trolley blind down the center aisle shouting beep beep and another where we were asked if we could be search to which I responded..."only if ya frisk me and Roberto's next" followed by a wink in his direction we started chatting.

(Mr Rob & I after 4 yrs of dating)

He was always very shy and can still be now so I did most of the talking face to face but we exchanged email addresses and then spent the next few weeks chatting on MSN until the early hours of the morning.
At this point we were just friends, although I always thought he was handsome but he was just my handsome friend Rob. Then one day after work I was waiting at the bus stop and he was wearing a sleeveless top, now I am not shallow and I don't only care about looks but a pair of manly arms changed it all and I had a little spark for him.

(Mr Rob and I after 5 yrs of dating)

We remained friends for a while and we decided to go out to Central London, we spent the whole day together and it was really fun. We went to see Catwoman at the cinema and then strolled home, (we only lived 15mins walk from each other) by the end of the day I was smitten.

Flash forward to last year while we were sitting on the sofa in the flat we rented Mr Rob and I were chatting about marriage and other stuff when he turned to me and said do you want to marry me. I said of course, and he said No, I am asking you to marry me my response was not what you would have expected.

(Mr Rob & I after 6 yrs of dating)

I said are you serious, he said yes, I said no your not your joking and he said if you don't stop saying that then yeah I am. I gave him a big kiss and said yes.

We are hoping to get married next year and we were in the process of saving for a house, I am so thankful to have met him and I can't wait to be Mrs Rob :)

(Mr Rob & I this year)

So there's my story I would love to hear yours :)
Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Outfit Inspiration

2011-06-13T18:39:00.015+01:00

Hello people,

How are you?

If you live in the UK you know the weather has been absolutely lousy!!! Therefore taking pictures for outfit posts has been a little difficult, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to look for some outfit inspiration.
Due to the rain it has been feeling quite chilly however as the weather is a little unpredictable I need layers to take on and off.

So the first thing I need is a pretty dress and some tights, as you have probably noticed in my outfit posts so far I am a dress & skirt kinda girl. In fact I hardly wear trousers, I do love my dungarees though :)

(The Clothes Horse)

Next is a pretty Cardigan, thick enough to keep me warm but thin enough so that when I'm on the tube I won't get too warm & possibly a scarf. I know what you are thinking a scarf in June but trust me leaving the house at 6am without one is madness.

(Flashes of Style)

Next a comfy pair of ankle boots, and a light jacket preferably with a hood. As we all know the UK is famous for it's rain.

(Unknown source, please let me know if you know where it is from.)

And lastly a cute umbrella for extra protection from the down pours we have had lately which my coat has been no match for.

(JetKat Photography)

Well now that's done I am off to my wardrobe to see what I can put together.
Have a great week.
Ciao for now.

Katrina x

My Blog of The Week - Wayward Daughter

2011-06-11T23:14:00.011+01:00

Hi All,
So it has been a week or so since I have done a blog of the week so I thought this week I would introduce you to Wayward Daughter.

The owner of this blog is Cait, a lovely girl after my own heart when it comes to her style. I think she loves uniform style outfits and peter pan collars as much as me .

Whenever I am seeking for inspiration for outfits I pop along to her blog and she never fails to deliver. I love the way she pieces together inexpensive and higher end brands.

I think it is really cool that she is so proud of her Scottish routes and I think her outfits really reflect that. I hope to visit Edinburgh later this year.

Not only is she super stylish but she is a qualified seamstress, and she is presently putting together her own line of clothing. I can't wait what to see what she comes up with, I hope to be able to add a little Wayward Daughter number to my wardrobe :)

Check out her cute bicycle broach, I want one :)

So why don't you pay Cait a visit at Wayward Daughter, I hope you enjoy reading her posts as much as I do.
Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance - live cover - Lissie

2011-06-06T20:06:00.004+01:00

Just stumble across this on bleubirdvintage and although I am not really into Lady Gaga, I L.O.V.E this version.

My Family

2011-06-06T10:10:00.018+01:00

Hello Lovely people,
I hope you are having a awesome day.

So I was a bit quite this week/weekend, as I said in my previous post I had been working on my proposal for my dissertation in the week and then unfortunately I have seemed to have picked up a bug and have been in bed all weekend :(

I am still not feeling 100% and as I write this I am snuggled in bed with a cuppa. I am hopping it will pass soon, ok that's enough of me being a misery guts, let me get on with my post.

Well as I am in no fit state to be providing you with a what I wore post, mostly because it's been my PJ's all weekend I have been trying to think of something else to write about so as a follow on from my Spectacular Spec post I thought I would introduce you to my family.

Lets start at the top with my mum and dad, now my dad is actually my step dad but he has been around since I was 4 or 5 so to me he is my dad. We call him Pat or more specifically I call him paprika :)
He is the most wonderful dad in the world and although I don't call him dad (long story my older sister wouldn't let us) I am so thankfully that he has been there for me, my mum and my sisters.

Then we have Sabrina and her other half Steve, she is the oldest she has two children Macey (8) and Evie (5 mths).

I love them both so much, they make me so broody and I can't wait for July as I will be looking after them for a whole week.

Then we have Charlene who is the second eldest and my nephew Jerome (2) or as I call him JJ. Charlene was the naughty one growing up and when we teenagers my mum made me go out with her to keep her out of trouble, which I did 90% of the time. A girl can only do so much when her older sister is 6ft tall and determined to get in trouble, or so it would have seemed.

(I can't seem to find a more up to date photo of JJ must get my camera out next time he is round)

Next we have the youngest of us four girls Becky or as I like to call her Spec, Becky hasn't got children thankfully. I say thankfully because I would be concerned she would forget them on the bus or trade them in :) Becky loves Macey, JJ and Evie but she is not maternal at all, she loves giving them back and although she might surprise me I couldn't see her having kids at all. I think she just likes being the cool Auntie, who goes to gigs and buys cool presents.

Last but by no means least I would like to include Mr Rob my fiancé, I plan to do a post about Roberto and I, how we met but I can't not include him in a post about my family. We have been together almost 7 years and he is most definitely part of the family now.

Here he is looking flashy with a Ferrari he had been driving on a track day that I treated him to as an anniversary present last year.

Oh I almost forgot one very important member of my family and that is my dog Alfred, he is such a lovely dog. He is very excitable and is always getting into mischief but I think that is what makes him so cute.

So that's my family, we are all very close but yes we do bicker from time to time as most families do and although they can sometimes drive me up the wall I love them all very much.

I'd love to hear about yours :)

Ciao for now.

Katrina x

Quick Hello

2011-06-03T08:53:00.007+01:00

Hello my lovelies,

I am having a super busy week this week, I am putting together my proposal for my dissertation uni. I had done one previously but I am changing the topic so I had to do another.
I can't wait to be finished, I really can't believe that by January 2012 I will have a Masters in Human Resources :)
Anyway thought I pop in for a quick hello, hopefully next week I'll be able to get some of my planned posts done.
Have a great weekend.
Ciao for now.

Katrina x